School High Health Needs Fund (SHHNF) for Children with Diabetes
Children with diabetes are eligible for extra support while at school if they need assistance with or supervision of glucose monitoring, administration of insulin, carbohydrate counting, eating and drinking or fluids if indicated, and/or the management of an insulin pump.
The Ministry of Education makes a contribution towards the employment of a teacher aide if a student has a high health need, and ongoing care and support is needed for more than 6 weeks.
The allocation of funding is based on individual requirements, and the amount of funding that your child’s school receives is determined by your local Ministry of Education office.
SHHNF applications must be completed by the child’s school, medical specialist and parent/caregiver.
All applications must be accompanied by a School Diabetes Action and Management Plan.
Funding is reviewed on an ongoing basis as per the student’s needs.
Further information about the process can be found on the Ministry of Education website:
Local MoE offices can be found at: https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/contact-us/regional-ministry-contacts/learning-support-services/
If there any specific concerns about the process, parents and schools can contact the Manager Assurance and Eligibility | Learning Support from Ministry of Education with concerns: manager.eligibility@education.govt.nz
Parent/Caregiver’s/Whaanau Guide for filling out Part B of the SHHNF application
Details of the student’s health needs
This is a chance to talk in general terms about the seriousness of diabetes; the need for a rapid response to a low blood glucose; the long term possible complications. You could talk about your child’s age, if they are newly diagnosed and any medical devices used for monitoring blood glucose or delivering insulin. You can also mention all the tasks that they cannot do for themselves.
Describe tasks
Here you should list in detail all the tasks that need to be done for your child. You should completely personalise this part, but to help you there is a list below of common tasks that a child with diabetes might need assistance from an adult with managing.
Blood glucose checks using finger pricker and meter
Ketone checks using finger pricker and meter
Glucose monitoring using Flash Glucose monitor or Continuous Glucose monitor (e.g. Freestyle Libre, Dexcom or Guardian)
Supervision of eating
Treatment of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia)
Treatment of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia)
Calculation of insulin dose
Administration of insulin
Sports and swimming plan
Trips and excursions plan
Morning tea and lunchtime plan
Communication with parent/s, caregivers, and whānau