Taking your concerns to the Education Ministry – what to do when you and your school cannot resolve the problem.

In most instances, parents and schools can work together to find solutions for children with special learning needs. However, there may be some circumstances in which you feel your child’s school isn’t doing enough to recognise that there is a problem or, having recognised it, aren’t doing enough to find a solution. Or, the school may tell you that while they recognise the need for a solution, they don’t have the resources to support it.

When this happens, you may need to contact the Ministry of Education directly – schools have an obligation to provide a suitable learning environment for all pupils, and when they are in breach of this obligation, you have a right to take action.

The Ministry of Education website contains information on the steps you can take if you are concerned that your child's special education needs are not being met at school. DFNZ encourages you to read and follow the instructions contained on the site.

If you have followed the Ministry of Education’s own instructions and still do not feel that your child is receiving appropriate education you should contact the Ministry directly by clicking here.