New Entrant - Cohort Entry

At Ōpoutere School the School Board of Trustees we have a Cohort Entry process for New Entrant Students.

What does this mean for Ōpoutere School?

* There are two cohort entry points per school term for new entrant students. Please see the image for key dates.

* Pre-Enrolment visits will be organised and communicated to whānau to ALL students who will turn 5 before each cohort entry point.

The Education Review Office (ERO) has some valuable information for parents about cohort entry on the website. To find out more, visit: ERO's website page: A guide for parents sending their child to a cohort entry school.

Traditionally, children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) start school on their fifth birthday or any day after that. Recent changes to the Education Act mean schools can adopt cohort entry: enrolling children in groups on specific days across the year. Schools are choosing cohort entry to support positive transitions, well-being, and learning.

From 1 January 2020, changes made to the Act (through the Education Amendment Act 2019) took effect so that:

children will be able start school in cohorts but only after they have turned five
there will be two entry points per term, one on the first day of term, and one at a mid-point during a term.

The benefits of Cohort Entry

Cohort entry helps children to settle easier, and have a successful transition to school.
Starting school alongside other children helps children build relationships while benefiting their social and emotional well-being.
Student learning also benefits as teachers can plan for uninterrupted periods of time.
There can be less disruption and stress for new entrant teachers who can prepare for groups of children arriving on a specific date rather than on an individual and ad hoc basis through the year.
Schools are able to better anticipate student numbers allowing Principals to strategically plan for transitions and welcoming events.
Supports whānau to connect with the school and enable teachers to address parents in a group about important points around schooling and school entry.
Cohort entry would enable new parents to meet each other and make connections.