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Schools & kura

Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions

Being sent home for health reasons

When can I be sent home for health reasons?

Education and Training Act 2020, s 77; Health Act 1956 (“communicable disease”)

The principal can send you home if they think you might have an infectious disease (like measles, meningitis or head lice) because it could spread to other students.

The principal must treat everyone the same. For example, if a principal sent you home with head lice but not other students, it may be a breach of the Human Rights Act.

The school has a responsibility to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for all students.

When can I go back to school?

You can go back to school if you’re better. Your school can ask for a medical certificate to show this.

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Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions

Where to go for more support

Community Law

www.communitylaw.org.nz

Your local Community Law Centre can provide initial free legal advice and information.

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