CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL
2007 ENROLMENT POLICY
PURSUANT TO SECTION 7 OF THE
EDUCATION ACT 1989
The Correspondence School
2007 Enrolment Policy
This document explains who may be enrolled with The Correspondence School for government funded tuition, and has been fixed as the enrolment criteria pursuant to section 7 of the Education Act 1989.
Early Childhood Education
General
Children may be enrolled in a full-time Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme at The Correspondence School where they are:
(a) New Zealand citizens or permanent residents; and
(b) Under the age of 6 (ie 5 years of age or under); and
(c) Not enrolled in a primary school or for more than two sessions a week in a licensed and/or chartered ECE service; and
(d) Within one of the following enrolment categories and fitting the criteria for a gateway where a vacancy is available.
A child ceases to be eligible for enrolment when age or changed circumstances mean that the gateway criteria under which they were enrolled are no longer met.
Priority
Children whose access to ECE is limited by their rural location and geographic isolation will normally be given first priority for enrolment.
Children approved by the School as eligible for entry but for whom a vacancy is not immediately available will have their names placed on a wait list. Wait-listed children will normally be admitted to the School in age order.
Enrolment Categories and Gateways
The following students may be enrolled full-time at The Correspondence School
Enrolment Category Gateway Entry Criteria
Access Geographic isolation Child of a family whose geographic location prevents attendance at a licensed and/or chartered English language medium ECE service. Normally this would be a minimum of 6km.The School will establish entry criteria to ensure access by families with the highest level of need based on distance and accessibility.
Itinerancy Child of a family whose itinerancy requires a change of licensed and/or chartered ECE service each school term.The minimum enrolment period is 6 months.Parents/caregivers must provide, at the commencement of enrolment, an itinerary demonstrating that they will changing location at least once per term and that each change in location will require a change of licensed and/or chartered ECE service. A written declaration to that effect will also be required.The Chief Executive Officer of The Correspondence School will review these enrolments 6 monthly. For this review caregivers will demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements of this gateway. This can be done through an updated itinerary.
Referral High health needs Child has a long-term illness or medical condition preventing their attending a licensed and/or chartered ECE service.Caregivers must provide, each year, a medical certificate from a medical practitioner specialising in the condition preventing attendance.
Special development needs Child has special development needs such that no licensed and/or chartered ECE service able to meet their needs is available within a reasonable distance.Caregivers must provide a Ministry of Education- Special Education report detailing the nature of the child’s special development needs and immediate teaching needs. This report will include verification that no locally available service is able to meet the child’s special development needs.
Special circumstances Child does not fit any ECE gateway, however may be admitted by the Chief Executive Officer of the School where:(a) a sibling has a medical condition such as a bone marrow transplant preventing, for reasons of cross-infection the child attending a licensed and/or chartered ECE service.(b) the child’s caregiver has a medical condition preventing attendance at a licensed and/or chartered ECE service.

Years 1-13 Enrolments
Full-time enrolments
General
Unless otherwise stated:
(a) the minimum period of enrolment is one-term;
(b) the student’s continued enrolment is subject to meeting The Correspondence School’s engagement and tuition requirements; and
(c) all enrolments are reviewed by the School on an annual basis or as specified for a specific category.
The student’s eligibility ceases when changed circumstances mean that the gateway criteria under which they were enrolled are no longer met with the exception that years 11-13 students whose circumstances change during term 3 of a year may remain enrolled until the end of the school year.
Enrolment Categories and Gateways
New Zealand citizens or permanent residents may be enrolled full-time at The Correspondence School where they meet one of the following gateways for access.
Enrolment Category Gateway Entry Criteria
Access Exceptional arts and sports performance Student is an elite athlete, dancer, musician, sports person or an outstanding actor or performer and their development programme precludes attendance at a regular school.Enrolment applications require a letter of attestation from the formally constituted and recognised national body for the sport or art:(a) attesting that the student’s exceptional attributes mean that they are likely to either represent New Zealand or develop to the top of the field for their age-group; and(b) confirming that the programme planned for their development is appropriate and precludes attendance at a regular school; and(c) advising the likely duration of enrolment; and(d) providing an educational profile from the student’s previous school.
Geographic Isolation Student is unable to attend a neighbouring school because of its distance or inaccessibility from their home.To qualify, the student’s home must be:(a) more than 3.2 kilometres from a school bus route increasing to 4.8 kilometres if the student is over 10 years of age; or(b) located behind a geographic barrier preventing reasonable access to a school or school bus route.Parent/caregivers must obtain a statement from the principal of the nearest state primary, composite or secondary school, as appropriate, confirming the grounds of distance or inaccessibility.
Itinerancy Student would otherwise need to change schools each term because caregivers are itinerant.The minimum period of enrolment is 6 months.Parents/caregivers must provide, at the commencement of enrolment, an itinerary demonstrating that they will changing location at least once per term and that each change in location will require a change of school. A written declaration to that effect will also be required.The Chief Executive Officer of The Correspondence School will review these enrolments 6 monthly. For this review caregivers will provide a written declaration confirming that they continue to meet the requirements of this gateway.
Students enrolled under this gateway who have the primary care responsibility for their child may remain enrolled as a full-time student up to, and includingthe end of the school year in which the student turns19 years of age.
Overseas Students enrolled under this gateway who have the primary care responsibility for their child may remain enrolled as a full-time student up to, and includingthe end of the school year in which the student turns19 years of age.Student is a New Zealand citizen, or the child ofNew Zealand citizens or permanent residents, and needs to continue education while overseas.These students are eligible for enrolment if their parents/caregivers are: Group A i. Military and diplomatic personnel, and others employed by the New Zealand Government whose duties take them overseas; or ii. New Zealand missionaries serving in overseas mission fields; or iii. University staff and others on sabbatical leave; or iv. Teachers recruited on inter-governmental, or non-governmental organisation arrangements for service overseas; The following five criteria must all be met for such students in Group A to be enrolled:• no employer subsidy towards the education of the student is provided; and• the parent/caregiver is a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand resident; and• they intend to return to New Zealand on completion of the service overseas; and• the family is to be absent from New Zealand for at least 6 months; and• there is no suitable local education service available.For categories i. to iv. above, a letter from the parent/caregiver’s employer must verify all five criteria. There is no maximum period of enrolment for these categories.Group BNew Zealand citizens or New Zealand permanent residents (who have lived in New Zealand for two years or more) travelling and living overseas who intend returning to New Zealand and whose children will be either continuing their education within the New Zealand system or be taking up employment in New Zealand.
The Group B category is for students not included in Group A but who, for exceptional circumstances, may be admitted by the Chief Executive Officer of The Correspondence School.Parents/Caregivers need to show for students in Group B:Either that they:• are away from New Zealand for at least6 months and going to non English speaking countries where a suitable or comparableNew Zealand education system is not available; and.• require full-time enrolment as they are unable to obtain admission to a suitable school locally, or that they are candidates forNew Zealand national qualificationsfor which local schools do not cater.Or that they:• require enrolment in specific subjects with The Correspondence School as they have transferred to an overseas school whereNew Zealand national qualification subjects taken previously are not available, or• cannot obtain tuition in subjects they wishto advance to New Zealand national qualification level and no suitable subject is available at the school.Parents / caregivers must make a written declaration that they meet the all of the following five criteria for such students to be enrolled:• no employer subsidy towards the education of the student is provided; and• the parent/caregiver is a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand resident; and• the family is to be absent from New Zealand for at least 6 months; and• there is no suitable local education service available;• and in addition declare that they intend returning to New Zealand. Enrolments for Group B students above are subject to the year of application only. The initial application must be made within 12 months of the departure of the family from New Zealand. If support is required beyond the end of a school year, a further application will be required. Three years is the maximum total period of enrolment for any one student.
Referral Alienation Student is alienated from the education system.An alienated student is one who local schools are unwilling to enrol or who is unwilling to attend the local schools.The Non Enrolment Truancy Service (NETS) is the referral agency and all applications must be approved by the Ministry of Education.Enrolments must:(a) clearly state the arrangements made to supervise the student’s study with the School;(b) where available, be accompanied by an educational profile These enrolments will be reviewed by the School and the Ministry of Education as agreed on enrolment but at least after 6 months and prior to the end of each school year or annually. The review purpose is to ascertain whether a face-to-face schooling option is available and appropriate.
Child, Youth and Family Student is in the custody and/or guardianship of the Child, Youth and Family (CYF).CYF are the referral agency and all such enrolments require the prior approval of a CYF practice or service delivery unit manager.Enrolment applications must :(a) specify that the student is in CYF custody or guardianship and the likely duration of the enrolment; (b) clearly state the supervision arrangements for the student’s study with the School;(c) provide, where available, an educational profile.Enrolments will be reviewed by the School and CYF as agreed on enrolment but at least after 6 months and prior to the end of each school year or annually. The review purpose is to ascertain whether a face-to-face schooling option is available and appropriate.
Corrections Student is in the custody of the Department of Corrections.The Department of Corrections is the referral agency and enrolments will be through a Department manager.Applications need to specify the likely duration of the enrolment and identify the supervision arrangements. Where available they should be supported by an educational profile.
Exclusion / expulsion Student is under 16 years of age and excluded from school, or over 16 years of age and expelled.The Ministry of Education is the referral agency and the Ministry’s local office manager or regional office Student Support Manager will approve the enrolment.Enrolment applications must:(a) Clearly state the supervision arrangements for the student’s study with the School; and(b) provide, where available, an educational profile.Enrolments will be reviewed by the School and the Ministry of Education as agreed on enrolment but at least after 6 months and prior to the end of each school year/ annually. The review purpose is to ascertain whether a face-to-face schooling option is available and appropriate.
Enrolments will be reviewed by the School and the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) as agreed on enrolment but at least after 6 months and prior to the end of each school year or annually.
Enrolments will be reviewed by the School and the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) as agreed on enrolment but at least after 6 months and prior to the end of each school year or annually.
Dual Enrolments
General
(a) Unless otherwise stated the minimum period of enrolment is one term.
(b) All dual enrolments cease automatically at the end of each school year.
(c) The enrolling school retains responsibility for the pastoral care and educational outcomes of the students enrolled.
(d) All dual enrolments are subject to a Service Level Agreement (SLA) being in place between the enrolling school and The Correspondence School. The SLA defines the responsibilities of both parties.
Enrolment categories and gateways
The following students may be dual enrolled with The Correspondence School.
Enrolment Category Gateway Entry Criteria
Curriculum Adaptation Gifted and talentedState, state integrated schools and government institutions Year 1-8 students who are gifted and talented and whose home school is unable to provide the appropriate curriculum enrichment and acceleration.Each enrolment is at the request of the principal of the home school and at the discretion of the CEO of The Correspondence School.Enrolments for individual students of exceptional ability only will be accepted provided that:(a) PAT, TOSCA, AsTTle or equivalent assessments support that the student is exceptionally able and in the top 5% of their age group;(b) Evidence provided by the home school supports that the programme is essential to the student’s IEP and is able to be appropriately supervised and integrated.Schools making such enrolments are expected to undertake a programme of development enhancing their ability to provide similar enrichment programmes.
Special education needsState, and state integrated schools other than special schools, private schools and government institutions Year 1-8 students whose home school is unable to provide the specialist programming or curriculum adaptation appropriate to the student’s assessed special education needs.At the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of The Correspondence School enrolments will be accepted where:(a) the programme developed in association with TCS contributes to:- overcoming barriers to achievement as identified through the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP); and- the inclusion of the student in the home school; and(b) the application includes a statement by the home school on the assistance already provided for the student; and(c) the IEP is not more than 6 months old at the time of enrolment at TCS; and(d) Student has high health needs that prevent attendance at a neighbouring school.Enrolling schools are expected to undertake a programme of development leading to the school being able to independently provide for the student’s needs. Applications to re-enrol students for a successive year are subject to the CEO’s approval.Reapplications must identify:(a) the gains made against the student’s IEP from the earlier enrolment; and(b) the specific achievement and inclusion goals the enrolling school is seeking from a further enrolment Regional Health Schools:The Regional Health Schools (RHS) are the referral agency and the student must first be on a RHS roll. At the request of the RHS principal the student may be enrolled with The Correspondence School for part, or their entire learning programme. Each enrolment application requires an educational plan prepared by the RHS detailing the learning outcomes sought and advising review, reporting and supervision arrangements.
Special education needsState, state integrated Special Schools and government institutions In addition to the above criteria dual enrolment applications from Special Schools and Government Institutions will only be considered on clear evidence that:(a) the enrolment is essential to the student’s learning circumstances; and(b) the special school or government institution does not have the capability to meet the learning needs identified; and(c) the capability required is beyond what could reasonably be expected of the special school.Applications must be supported by:(a) a Section 9 Agreement for enrolment in the Special School; and(b) a current IEP (no more than 6 months old)The duration of the enrolment is to be specified in the student’s IEP.Enrolments will be reviewed annually to confirm their appropriateness and to identify the steps that the Special School or government institution is taking to raise its capability to meet the needs of the dually enrolled student.
(c) Student is at risk of exclusion or expulsion, or who may otherwise qualify for full-time enrolments through the psychological / psycho-social gateway. The enrolment is intended to provide for the students reintegration into a local school. Documentation must show that the home school, caregivers and other stakeholders (e.g. GSE) support the purpose of the application.(d) Student has a demonstrated family or cultural affinity with a particular ethnic group and requires tuition in that language, including Maori where that language is not offered by their home school. Excludes New Zealand students on overseas cultural exchange programmes. Overseas students on cultural exchanges in New Zealand will only be enrolled in subjects required when they return to their home school.(e) Student attends an Activity Centre and may enrol for up to four subjects.(f) Student attends a Teen Parent Unit (TPU) and may enrol for up to four subjects.(g) Student has high health needs that prevent attendance at a neighbouring school.(h) Regional health Schools:The Regional Health Schools (RHS) are the referral agency and the student must first be on a RHS roll. At the request of the RHS principal the student may be enrolled with The Correspondence School for part, or their entire learning programme. Each enrolment application requires an educational plan prepared by the RHS detailing the learning outcomes sought and advising review, reporting and supervision arrangements.
Curriculum extension Emergency staff vacancyState, state integrated and registered private schools School has an emergency staff vacancy and no suitable applicants are available.The CEO may approve year 1-13 class enrolments as an emergency measure and for a defined time period subject to the enrolling school:(a) confirming that it is continuing to advertise the vacancy; and(b) organising classes so that a minimum number of students are enrolled; and(c) providing appropriate supervision and resources, including text books; and
(d) for year 1-8 classes confirming that Emergency Staffing Scheme assistance is not available.Approved enrolments will be for a minimum of four weeks and on a term by term basis.
Small senior classesState, state integrated schools, registered private schools and government institutions School has only a small number of students studying a subject at years 12 or 13 level.This category will be monitored in 2007 in conjunction with the Ministry of Education.The minimum number of students able to be enrolled in one subject at year 12 or 13 is two with a maximum of 6. Variation to meet the needs of small and rural schools is at the discretion of the CEO.
Subject not availableState, state integrated schools, registered private schools and government institutions School is unable to offer a year 9 – 13 subject.This gateway is for small schools with a year 9 – 13 roll below 400 as of right. Its purpose is to enable small schools to offer a broader and more balanced curriculum and entitlement ceases once the year 9 – 13 roll exceeds 600.A school may make a case for discretion to the CEO of The Correspondence School if their Year 9-13 roll is between 601 and 700.Assistance will not normally be available for more than four subjects per student. If schools do not meet this criterion then they will not be eligible to enrol.
Or(c) is a year 7-8 student who has transferred from a Maori Medium school to a school unable to provide Maori language tuition. The student may be enrolled for Te Reo Maori.
Te ReoState and state integrated schools This gateway is to support Te Reo Maori.The principal of a Kura Kaupapa Maori or a designated Character School where Te Reo is the first language may apply to the Ministry of Education to enrol senior primary students, ie those in years 7 and 8, in national qualification level Te Reo Maori programmes.
TechnologyState and state integrated schools This gateway is for isolated schools with no access to year 7 and 8 technology tuition.The principal may apply to the Ministry of Education for approval to enrol their year 7-8 students with The Correspondence School for technology tuition.