Through your risk assessment planning, you will already know the ākonga and whānau who are more at risk from a COVID infection. 

We encourage you to work with ākonga, whānau and their medical professionals (where appropriate) to understand the level of risk and consider the options available to balance the education, health and wellbeing needs of the ākonga.

This may include additional strategies such as: 

• reducing the number of adults working closely with the ākonga 
• ensuring ākonga are positioned in well ventilated parts of school spaces while indoors 
• building a class culture of manaakitanga that supports good hygiene habits 
• staying home when sick  

Through your risk assessment review, you may also choose to implement a policy where staff working with children with complex medical needs should be up to date with their vaccinations. Any policy decisions should be carefully considered and involve consultation with staff, parents, and caregivers, with the least intrusive measures used first. 

Students with high health needs may be able to access support through the following if they meet the criteria for entry:

• Te Kura access gateways  
• Regional Health School full or dual tuition enrolment to support school or home-based learning (Note: ākonga can access Te Kura through the Health School) 
• application for support through the School High Health Needs Fund  

Health information

People at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 - Unite against COVID-19