Kia ora!
So, your child is turning 6 or older, and you know you need to apply for an exemption. But how do you do this? Where do you start?
Well, you’ve come to the right place! This guide covers everything you need to know, to set you up for success:
Where do I find the MOE application form?
Help! How do I fill all THAT in?
How do I figure out what I’m going to say?
What format should I use?
Where do I send it?
How long will it take to be approved?
Can it get declined straightaway?
What if I feel like I need extra support?
What’s this about an allowance?
Then what?
Other recommended links
Before we go any further, there’s a whole lot of info and links on this page, and you’ll want to be able to read it at your own pace. So I’ve collated everything on this page (plus some extra bonuses) into a downloadable guide that that you can ask me to send to your inbox right now, if you like.
Without further ado, here’s a rundown to answer some of the most commonly asked questions, and to help simplify the process for you…
Where do I find the MOE application form?
New Zealand’s MOE (Ministry of Education) oversee the application process, and will be the ones to approve your application. This process can seem a little convoluted at first glance, but once you get your head around it, it’s not as daunting as you might think.
Now, I want to you take a deep breath and open the exemption application form below. It is long, and detailed, but don’t let that overwhelm you… I firmly believe that you’ve got this! So, take a quick look at it now, then come back here and keep reading. Because I’m here to help.
MOE Home Education Application Form:
The following is a direct link to the home education section of the MOE website: MOE – Home Education. Scroll through all the information contained there, to the very bottom of the page, and you’ll find the PDF link to the forms.
Are you looking for more interactive, tailored support with all this? I love to help families through the process, and I offer an exemption writing service that will set you and your family up for success! Head straight down to what if I feel like I need extra support? to find out more.
Help! How do I fill all THAT in?
I’m really glad you asked! First of all, it’s important to understand that what MOE really wants to know is that you know each of your children well, you understand their needs as a learner, and you are aware of the options available to you, with a plan on how you will proceed. That’s it, in a nutshell.
How do I figure out what I’m going to say?
That’s a very good question! And honestly? One that only you can answer.
Yes, this will require a lot of thinking and research on your part. And yes, your overall plan or approach may change over time. But believe me when I say: it’s a really good exercise that will help you gather your thinking and ensure that you really are making the right and best choice for your children.
Head on over to Starting Homeschooling and A Homeschool Headspace to help you figure out what you want homeschooling to look like in your family.
Have a look through the treasure trove of information and ideas that NCHENZ and Cynthia Hancox have to offer on their websites, including the articles I’ve attached at the bottom of this page.
And then use what you discover, to answer MOE’s questions.
What format should I use?
My personal recommendation to clients is that they compile a document that contains the answers to sections Two, Three and Four. Consider it a summary of your vision and intentions.
Where do I send it?
This can then be emailed or snail-mailed to the MOE alongside the other required material. See the checklist on the very first page of the actual exemption form to ensure that you have included all necessary information and paperwork.
Everything you need to do this is available on MOE’s website. You simply need to direct your completed forms to your local MOE office, which you can find here: Local Ministry Offices.
How long will it take to be approved?
From the time that your application is received, it takes approximately 4 – 6 weeks to be approved. Occasionally there can be a backlog of applications, but this is unique to each local office, and they will generally let you know if this is the case. It’s important to be patient in this process. You’re nearly there, remember!
Can it get declined straightaway?
No. Let me reassure you that there is a clear process to the way that MOE do things. It is fairly common to be asked questions for further clarification, but this will also vary depending on which MOE officer is overseeing your exemption application. Your response to these will then assist in gaining your approval.
With this in mind, I recommend requesting that they email their questions to you, so that you can answer fully and honestly in a way that reflects your intentions.
If you’re feeling a little stuck or uncertain, this is something that those of us who help with exemptions can support you with (scroll down to see the list), for a fee to cover our time.
What if I feel like I need extra support?
There are a range of experienced homeschoolers who can support you through writing exemptions, as much or as little as you need. Our fee structures tend to be quite varied due to the uniqueness of the work and most of us are fitting this service in amongst homeschooling our own children. So we’re right there on the ground with you! Keep reading to find out more about how I can help, and for a list of other homeschool consultants who can help with exemptions…
How can can you help me?
If you’ve already read through this free guide and you still feel like you need something more, I offer an exemption writing service where I support you in writing a personalised exemption application for your child. This is a “full support” package for a flat fee per child, to cover the time and energy and expertise involved in tailoring it just for you, and writing it to reflect your own voice. I’ve been writing exemptions of all kinds (curriculum based, eclectic, unschooling, you name it) for over a decade, and every single one has been successful!
What’s involved? An initial phone/video consultation of 1-2 hours in which I ask questions, and you talk to me about your family, yourself, and what you’re imagining for your child’s homeschooling. I offer suggestions and ideas that I feel will fit your style, and we chat together about how it will all unfold.
Then, I write the exemption for you, using your words. This generally takes 2-4 weeks (depending on my health and my own homeschooling, as I’m juggling things around a diagnosis of ME/CFS) and I’ll keep you updated as it progresses. If your timeframe is more urgent than this, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Once I’ve sent you the final draft to approve and make any requested changes, I send you a PDF copy of it, along with all the instructions to send it in to your local MOE office. As long as you send it in within one month of receiving the final draft, I provide full support until it has been accepted – no matter how long it takes – including helping you to fully and honestly answer any questions that MOE may have (this can vary from office to office).
Why do I do this? I’m a second generation homeschooler and trained teacher who loves helping families to think outside the box and setting them up to thrive. Learn more about what I offer here, find out more about my background in FAQ, and check out the fun facts on my About Kristy page to check if I’m the right fit for you.
Families who use my services often tell me how amazed they are at how accurately I captured the uniqueness of the child in their exemption, and how authentically I described their intentions in a way that MOE could understand and accept. If this is something you’d like help with, head to the Exemption Writing section of my website by clicking on the button, below.
See the range of other ways that I can help you in the graphic, below:
Do you have a course that will help?
I’m glad you asked, because I have some exciting news! My homeschool course is getting closer to launching, and it includes tips, strategies and resources that will help you with your exemption, and so much more! Sign up here to hear when it’s finally released, so that you can take advantage of the self-paced approach to finding out everything you need to know about homeschooling, all in one place.
Where can I find free resources to help?
You can also find support and additional information through Facebook groups and other websites that have been created for the purpose of helping you. Check them out over on my New Zealand Launchpad.
Who else helps with exemptions?
The following is a list of wonderful people who also offer support:
Cynthia Hancox || contact form || cynthiahancox.com
Lisa McKenzie || Message her page: Homeschool Pick n Mix
Erin Parkinson || parkinsonclasses@gmail.com
Sheena Harris || sheena.homeschoolcoaching@gmail.com || homeschoolcoaching.nz
Maree Lines || mareelines@gmail.com
What’s this about an allowance?
After your exemption has been accepted, here in New Zealand there is an allowance that helps a little toward some of the costs of homeschooling. You don’t need to do anything about this right now. But, once your exemption is approved, this allowance comes in two parts. One is paid mid-year and the other near the end of each calendar year. Each payment requires a signed declaration that you are homeschooling, and then covers the preceding six months. (This declaration must legally be signed every six months, even if you choose not to receive the allowance). For more information on how this works, see NCHENZ’s article: Supervisory Allowance.
Then what?
It’s important to remember that choosing home education is a commitment. Your children are worth that time. As you embark on this new adventure, it will ultimately give you a greater grasp of your “why” and a commitment to this new lifestyle. So much of it is about being open to learning as you go. I know I still am!
Since you’re here, asking all the questions, I know that you’re already on the right track. In fact, now that you’ve made it this far, it’s probably about time you boiled the jug again and stepped away for a coffee break! So do that.
Pause.
Breathe.
And let this information begin to assimilate in your mind.
It’s important to remember that this is a process. And Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, be patient with yourself, take each step as it comes… and before you know it your exemption will be underway.
Let the adventure begin!
Did you find this helpful? Please consider letting others know, so that together we can support and encourage homeschoolers in NZ who are just starting out. And remember to subscribe to receive inspiration and updates straight to your inbox, as well as a free thank you gift from me.
Stay awesome!
More recommendations to help you with exemptions…
Homeschool Course: coming soon!
Did you know that I’m releasing a course soon that is chock full of tips and support to help you navigate your homeschool journey? Including help with exemptions? And you can take it at your own pace, with a mug of coffee in hand, if you like. I can’t wait, and I’d love to connect with you there! Click on the button to find out more.
Book Lists
Remember to check out the book lists on my Recommended Reading section, as well as the top tip for researching curriculum that you’ll discover there, when you scroll right down the page!
Wondering how you’ll look after you in the mix?
Need a reminder of how to look after you as you go about all this? Head on over to Looking after YOU to help you start your homeschooling journey on the right foot.
Other recommended links, specifically relating to exemptions:
Read Applying for an Exemption by NCHENZ for a thorough rundown of the process involved. Browse their other articles for resources, ideas and valuable tools that will support and help you in writing exemptions, and homeschooling in general.
Browse Cynthia Hancox’s Information Index for answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions, especially when it comes to exemptions. Be sure to scan through her website for up-to-date and pertinent help regarding homeschooling in New Zealand.