Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeschooling in New Zealand. Everything You Need to Know

 

Do I need to follow the New Zealand curriculum?
This seems to be a common one that often gets asked in the Homeschooling New Zealand facebook group. The answer is NO you do not have to follow the New Zealand curriculum! Breathe a sigh of relief. However, your homeschooling exemption application will likely need to explain how you plan to cover basic subjects like reading, writing, and maths to give you the best chance at a approval.

 

Do I apply for an exemption once my child turns 5?
Legally every child aged between six and sixteen must be enrolled in school. If you are planning to homeschool you will need to apply to the Ministry of Education for an exemption from school for each child you plan to home educate. You can apply anytime AFTER your child turns five, ideally a few months before they turn six to allow for processing. The exemption application is a comprehensive document where you detail your educational plans, demonstrating that your child will be taught “at least as regularly and as well as in a regular school.” You’ll also need to include a copy of your child’s birth certificate and proof of guardianship if you’re not the birth parent. You can find more details on the exemption process here: Homeschooling In New Zealand – Where to begin? Step by Step FREE Guide

 

How do I apply for a homeschooling exemption?
Another common question! You need to apply for an exemption through the Ministry of Education for each child you are intending to homeschool. This exemption allows you to homeschool until they turn 16. The process involves submitting a detailed application that outlines your educational plan. It is a one-off process and you can find more details about how to submit an application for an exemption here: Homeschooling In New Zealand – Where to begin? Step by Step FREE Guide

 

Can my child attend school while waiting for exemption approval?
Yes, children aged six and older must attend school while waiting for the Ministry’s approval of the homeschooling exemption. But I will mention that many people pull their children out of school while waiting for the exemption to be approved. If Truancy chase you up, you can mention you are waiting on your exemption to be approved (It’s best to make sure your exemption is in ASAP to make this process easier) often truancy will work with you in these cases. For more detailed info on this topic please see Cynthia Hancox’s blog here: Truancy and the Home Educator

 

Will the Ministry of Education inspect my home or visit me to check I am fit to educate?
No, The Ministry of Education does not visit you while assessing your application, and if they ask for a home visit or to check you are fit to homeschool, please contact your regional group for support/advice. Once your application is approved you will not (usually) hear from the MoE except for a six monthly letter asking you to confirm you are still homeschooling/home educating. You will need to notify MoE if your child ceases homeschooling and re-enters school. The MoE conducts a few rare ERO reviews every year (Education Review Office)… but these are RARE and generally you won’t have to worry about a ERO visit. 

 

What is an ERO review?
An ERO review is an evaluation by the Education Review Office that checks whether a child being homeschooled is being adequately educated. These reviews are uncommon and typically occur when the Ministry of Education raises concerns about the child’s learning environment or progress, usually because someone raises a complaint about that child. Again this is very rare, and if the MoE has concerns they will contact you first and let you know, which gives you time to respond. If the response is such that the MoE decides that there is no real reason to be concerned, they don’t request an ERO review. You can find more details on this subject here at Cynthia Hancox’s blog: ERO Reviews History and Statistics

 

Does the Ministry of Education contact my child’s school?
Yes, if your child is already enrolled in school, the Ministry of Education will contact the school to review their academic progress before deciding on the homeschooling exemption. You can also request a copy of this progress record, and the school is legally obligated to provide it to you under the Privacy Act.

 

Do I receive education materials from the Ministry of Education? Where do I get curriculum supplies?
No, you don’t receive education materials from the MoE. However, you can request some free resources from their supplier, Down the Back of the Chair, you can find more details of that here: Down the Back of the Chair. The choice of materials, activities, and whether to follow a structured or unstructured learning approach is entirely up to you. You will need to source your own curriculum material and any other resources you wish to use. There are so many choices of curriculum that it would be hard to list them all here… often people find Cathy Duffy Reviews to be helpful in picking a curriculum:  Cathy Duffy Reviews  also it’s worth asking people what they personally suggest in the nationwide homeschooling group here: Homeschooling New Zealand and the New Zealand Homeschool Curriculum Sell/Trade/Swap Facebook group 

 

What are Unit Studies and why do you recommend them?
Unit Studies are an excellent add on to your usual curriculum, especially useful for mixing up your regular learning. Unit studies are an effective homeschooling approach that integrates multiple subjects around a single theme, allowing learners to explore topics in depth and see connections across disciplines. This method fosters a deeper understanding of the material, encourages critical thinking, and promotes skill development, as learners engage in hands-on activities, projects, and research. This approach also fosters independence, as kids take charge of their learning, and encourages collaboration among siblings, creating a supportive and fun family learning atmosphere. Ultimately, unit studies offer a well-rounded and enriching experience that helps homeschooling families cultivate a love of learning and equips kids with the skills they need for real-life challenges. 

 

Can I still homeschool if I don’t have a teaching background?
Yes, of course! Teaching is just an extension of parenting. You can definitely educate your own children, and who knows them best? You of course. You don’t need to be a “certified teacher” to effectively teach your child. Focus on your strengths and utilize available resources to create an engaging learning environment. Embrace your child’s interests, adapt your approach to their learning style, and connect with other homeschooling families for support and inspiration. You can read my blog on this topic for more discussion and encouragement around this: I Am Not a Teacher! How Can I Home School?

 

Do you get paid to homeschool?
Yes, well sort of. Families with certificates of exemption for their children receive a small “supervision allowance” (it is not considered income) from the Ministry of Education twice a year.
The amount of the allowance (which is not compulsory, so you can opt to not receive it), which is usually paid in June and December each year is:
– First child $769 ($384.50 twice a year)
– Second child $654 ($327 twice a year)
– Third Child $536 ($269 twice a year)
– Subsequent children $385 ($192.50 twice a year)

 

I am finding it difficult to fill in the homeschooling exemption, help!
If you feel overwhelmed when starting your exemption application, having a support community can be incredibly helpful. Reach out to your local or a nationwide homeschooling group like Homeschooling New Zealand there is often seasoned homeschoolers who can help support you in your application, there are a few homeschool veterans who offer varying services to assist in those wanting to apply for an exemption. 

 

What about socialisation? Or will my child end up “weird”
This use to come up quite a lot in the homeschooling groups. These days a lot more people are aware that socialisation being an “issue” is a myth. Many homeschooling families participate in local co-ops, sports teams, church groups, and organized activities like Scouts or drama etc. These days there is more opportunity for real life socialising than there use to be when I was homeschooled. And remember at school kids are often told to stop talking and sit still, they are also confined to socialising almostly completely with their peers age groups. Homeschoolers often have flexible schedules, allowing them to interact with broad age groups in real-world settings. Homeschooled kids aren’t inherently “weird.” The idea that they are comes from outdated stereotypes. You will find “odd” or “weird” kids in both public schools and in the homeschooling community. Each homeschooled child is unique, and their social experiences vary based on personality and family choices. 

 

Can children educated at home obtain school qualifications or attend university?
Absolutely! Many homeschooled children successfully pursue NCEA or other high school-level qualifications and gain admission to university. They can showcase their learning through a portfolio, complete a bridging course, go through an interview process, or earn traditional qualifications like NCEA, GCSE, or the American SAT. There are various pathways available… you can find out more about the options here: High School Qualifications and Entrance to University

 

How do you avoid burnout? I am not sure I can spend all day with my kids.
Some days are hard and some days are easy! Some tips to avoid burnout as a homeschooling mum are to set realistic goals and create a flexible daily schedule that includes breaks for both you and your children. Prioritize self-care, connect with other homeschooling parents for support, and celebrate achievements together. Stay flexible and regularly assess what’s working to maintain balance and enthusiasm in your homeschooling journey. Personally, we take breaks whenever we need it! We homeschool year round and take holidays/days off whenever we feel like things are becoming a bit “too much”. It helps to make sure your prioritise yourself, you cannot pour from an empty cup! Sometimes that may mean saying “no” to commitments and accepting offers of help too. Make sure your expectations are not too high. We often put too much on our own shoulders, and remember taking a day off to go to the park or the beach can do wonders, and is definitely considered “learning”!

 

What Sets Worksheets Apart as a Preferred Learning Method?
Worksheets are a go-to learning tool because they focus on specific skills, encouraging students to actively participate and really engage with the material, which helps them remember what they’ve learned. They offer quick feedback, so students can see where they excel and where they might need more practice. With their clear structure, worksheets make complex concepts easier to tackle. Plus, the mix of visuals and different types of exercises keeps things interesting and caters to various learning styles. They also promote independent learning, are flexible enough to be used across different subjects, and reinforce knowledge through practice. On top of that, worksheets can encourage collaboration in group settings and help kids develop focus and concentration, making them versatile and effective tools for education.

 

How do most people afford to Homeschool?
There is no one size fits all for this one. Some of us live off of one frugal income, some of us find a flexible part-time job that works around our kids schedule. And there is some of us who run a business, most of the time though we live on a budget and make things stretch so to speak. You can grow a garden at home, and make use of free or very affordable resources to use in your teaching which definitely helps too. This is a big part of the reason I started Peace Through Grace, I know the tight budget we are all on. My goal was to make affordable resources to enrich homeschooling families lives! I also know of a few people who work on the weekends when their husband/wife is home, and I know some people also run home-based care. There is definitely options to make it work. 

 

Is Home Education the same as Te Kura?
No, Students enrolled in Te Kura (formerly known as The Correspondence School) learn under the supervision of a parent or caregiver, while being guided by teachers who provide assignments and check in with them regularly through online communication. To be admitted to Te Kura, students must meet specific eligibility criteria and follow the established curriculum, with schooling hours typically mirroring those of a traditional school. No exemption is necessary since Te Kura is a public school, similar to any local school. Home-educated students can take courses through Te Kura, but the costs are very high. A full programme at Te Kura costs about $8K per year, or individual subjects about $1800/year.
*Please note that students aged 16-19 with a homeschooling exemption can enroll in one or two free subjects with Te Kura through the young adult gateway while still maintaining their homeschooling exemption. However, if they enroll in three or more subjects, they will be classified as “full-time funded,” and their exemption will be revoked. You can find more information on this topic on Cynthia Hancox’s website here:  Te Kura & Other Distance Schools vs Homeschooling

 

How can we possibly cover every topic our kids need to learn?
The truth is, we can’t! Even in traditional schools, teachers can’t teach every subject in depth, and they often focus on standardized curricula. So, instead of trying to cover everything, we emphasize essential skills like self-management, independent learning, resourcefulness, and the ability to seek help when needed. We also encourage critical thinking and creative problem-solving, equipping our kids with the tools they need to navigate their education and the world beyond. By fostering these skills, we prepare them to become lifelong learners who can adapt and thrive in any situation, both inside and outside the classroom.

 

What advice would you give to new homeschoolers?
To set yourself up for success, focus on building a supportive network of like-minded families, both locally and online, where you can share experiences and advice. Allow time for your children to deschool if they’ve come from a traditional school setting, and be patient as you develop routines that will evolve with your family’s needs. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all curriculum—don’t rush into purchasing expensive materials right away. Instead, embrace the flexibility of homeschooling and adapt your approach as needed. Self-care is essential, so carve out time for yourself and seek empathetic support when doubts arise. Document your learning experiences with photos and notes to remind yourself of your progress. Finally, expect both good days and bad, understanding that learning isn’t always linear. With patience and a long-term perspective, you can create a fulfilling and enriching homeschooling experience for you and your children!

 

photo collage display banner showing some educational resources and people using them from Peace Through Grace

 

Have I covered everything? Probably not… let me know in the comments below if there is anything else you think I should include.

Oh! And make sure you join my Facebook group Homeschooling New Zealand

there is always loads of helpful info in the group and plenty of support if you’re just starting your homeschooling journey

 

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