On Monday 18 May, all schools and early learning services can open onsite under Alert Level 2. Tertiary education organisations can move to Level 2 from Thursday 14 May.
All are safe to attend and additional public health measures are in place.
It is important for all children and young people’s learning and wellbeing that they resume their education in normal settings as soon as possible. Children and young people who are sick, are in isolation, have any COVID 19 symptoms, or are awaiting the results of a test, do not need to attend.
Distance learning will continue to be available for those for those children who are unable to attend.
Parents and school students should check opening details with their school or service. Tertiary students should check their organisations’ onsite opening plans. Most are organising a phased return to on-site learning, while maintaining distance learning options.
Public health advice is that all facilities are safe to open onsite at Alert Level 2 for all learners. People do not need to stick to their bubbles at Alert Level 2 and can meet with friends and family. But people need to stay safe and continue to take sensible health and safety precautions.
The Ministry of Education is working with schools to ensure the health and safety of all learners and staff in all education settings at Alert Level 2. Additional public health and hygiene measures and protections will be in place in all education settings and on school transport services, when learners return.
The wellbeing of all learners, parents, families, whānau and educators is the Ministry of Education’s top priority at this time. We have developed some tips for parents to help with their children’s move back to learning.
The Ministry will also be helping schools and services to reach out to parents and learners, in a supportive manner, to bring about all children and young people’s return to education.