73925 (2024). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education

73925 (2024). Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan to the Minister of Education: In response to Reply 39605, is the Minister concerned that there is no focus on wellbeing for home educating whānau when issuing an exemption under Section 38 of the Education and Training Act 2020, considering that the Ministry of Education's Child Protection Policy, which all staff must understand and adhere to, states that "The purpose of this Policy is to articulate the Ministry of Education’s (the Ministry’s) commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of children and young people."?

Hon Erica Stanford: I am advised by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry) that in assessing a home education application, it can only apply the statutory test to grant an exemption, which is whether a child will be taught as regularly and as well as in a registered school. Once an exemption is in place, if a Ministry employee suspects abuse or neglect of a home educated child, then the Child Protection Policy includes guidance for an employee on their role and responsibilities, and the steps they need to take to respond.