Welcome to the new KidsHealth website! See what is new.

Header

Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz, search for KidsHealth, and click on our logo to return and browse for free. Need help?

For free medical advice call Healthline 0800 611 116. Healthline provides a 24 hour, 7 days a week, over-the-phone health service. For emergencies call 111.  

Does my child need a referral to the Ministry of Education for their communication, speech or language development?

Here are some questions and answers to help you decide whether your child needs a referral to the Ministry of Education for their communication, speech or language development.

When?

  • have you talked to someone else who knows your child well and tried some of the recommended tips?
  • are you still concerned?

What?

  • think about your child's communication skills including speech, language, and social interactions
  • think about the impact on their daily activities and social interactions at home and in the early childhood education setting
  • are they having significant difficulties understanding or communicating with other tamariki (children) or adults a lot of the time? 
  • are they becoming withdrawn or showing different behaviours to communicate their needs and wants a lot of the time?

How?

  • if you answered 'yes' to the above questions then contact your local Ministry of Education office to discuss your concerns or make a referral

Who should I contact?

To make a referral, you can ring 0800 622 222 or email Special Education on special.education@education.govt.nz 

More information

Concerned About Your Child's Development?

Acknowledgements

The content on this page has been produced in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and adapted from Much more than words | Manuka takoto, kawea ake (2014).

References

If you would like to look at anything in more detail, this list of references might be a good starting point.

Last reviewed
Shielded site