School enrolment and attendance
Under what circumstances can a student be precluded from attending school?
The principal of a school may preclude a student from attending because they have reasonable grounds to believe the student may have a communicable disease within the meaning of the Health Act 1956.
All actions should be taken in good faith and with reasonable care.
Education and Training Act 2020, section 77 – Legislation website
Health Act 1956 – Legislation website
When precluding from attendance due to health reasons
- Before precluding a student the principal should seek advice from NZSTA and may wish to consult with the local public health unit.
- Immediately after precluding a student, the principal must take all reasonable steps to explain that the student has been precluded, and why, to the board, the student’s parents (unless student is 20 or older), and the Medical Officer of Health.
- The board is then charged with investigating the preclusion, and either confirming or rejecting the principal’s decision. In the event the decision is confirmed, the student must not attend school until the board receives a medical certificate stating that the student is well enough to attend school.
- The local Medical Officer of Health may also have powers to prevent students and staff attending school in certain circumstances. Your local public health unit will contact you in such cases.
Updated: August 2020
