COUNTRY GUIDE · New Zealand · Editorial review 16 October 2026
How to Request Learning Support or Assessment in New Zealand
A practical step-by-step starting point for families concerned about their child's learning or access.
Know the limits. A complaint about a school and a complaint about a Ministry learning support service use different routes. This guide is general information, not a substitute for local professional or legal advice. If a child faces immediate safety risks, contact appropriate local services promptly.
How to start
- Talk with the teacher or kaiako about what your child enjoys, where they are finding things difficult and classroom strategies already tried.
- Ask whether the school or kura has a learning support coordinator or other learning support contact.
- Agree on a practical support plan and a date to review progress with whānau; ask whether specialist involvement may be useful.
- If the teacher proposes Ministry learning support involvement, ask what permissions and information-sharing steps apply.
What to put in your notes
- Your child's strengths, needs and what they say helps them.
- Specific examples and dates, rather than assumptions about causes.
- The changes or support you are asking the school to consider.
- The name of the person responsible for replying and when you will follow up.
Use the free printable New Zealand school meeting checklist to prepare your questions and agreed actions.
Questions to ask at the meeting
- What can be tried now while we understand my child's needs better?
- Who will coordinate the plan and communicate with us?
- How will we know whether the support is helping?
- When will we review progress together?
Official starting source
New Zealand Ministry of Education — Supporting your child if they need extra help ↗
Check official material and confirm the current local process with your school or responsible authority.
More New Zealand resources
Country hub · When agreed school support is not provided · Meeting worksheet