Access to Students

GUIDELINES:

Any person, be it Parent/Legal Guardian or other, may be excluded from entering our school when:

• They are forbidden by law to have access to the child. (Court orders only and noted in the enrolment form.  These will be custody or protection orders.)

• They have access by law to the child, subject to conditions that forbid access while the child attends our school. (Court orders only and noted in the enrolment form. These will be custody or protection orders.)

• They are suffering from a contagious or infectious disease likely to have a detrimental effect on the children if passed on to them.

• If in the opinion of the Principal or the School Board, the person is under the influence of alcohol or any other non-prescribed substance that has a detrimental effect on the functioning or behaviour of the person.

• If in the opinion of the Principal or the School Board, the person is exhibiting disruptive, threatening or unsafe behaviour.

Trespass Procedure

Sections 3 and 4 of the Trespass Act 1980 must be displayed in the school office. A person attempting to enforce access against these guidelines may be issued a signed trespass notice, either:

• In person, or

• By registered mail.

Note:

• Section 4(1) applies when a person is currently trespassing or has trespassed.

• Section 4(2) applies when the Board has reasonable cause to suspect the person is likely to trespass.

Strike out the section that does not apply on the notice.

Copies of the trespass notice must be:

• Kept on file at the school, and

• Sent to the police.

If the individual does not leave after presentation of the notice, the police must be called. Wherever possible, staff must ensure the child(ren) are kept safe until the police arrive.

Oranga Tamariki Access

Any representative from Oranga Tamariki may be admitted with appropriate identification and/or legal authority (e.g. court order). If unsure, consult the school’s legal advisor or NZSTA.

A letter informing the school of the visit is generally expected. In urgent situations, this may not be possible.

Formal identification must always be requested, especially if the individual is not in uniform.

Responsibilities of the Staff

• The school will meet all legal obligations regarding student access.

• Both custodial and non-custodial parents/legal guardians have the right to access school reports and attend interviews, unless restricted by a court order.

• The issue of access is confidential to the Principal and relevant staff.

• If a non-authorised person attempts to contact, collect, or request information about a student, the Principal must be informed immediately.

Responsibilities of the Principal

• Maintain a confidential list of access to students

• Follow any special details mentioned in the confidential list agreement

• Follow through the nominated process when a breach of this agreement takes place or is attempted.  This may include contacting the Police and reporting a trespass

Protocols for Visits by Oranga Tamariki or Police

• Formal ID must always be requested.

• Requests by OT or police for access to students must be honoured — they have legal authority to speak with students.

• If a staff member asks to be present during an interview and this is not appropriate, OT or police will say so.

• Staff should always be respectful but may seek clarification or support from the Principal if unsure.