Deciding education, training and work-based learning activities
After a discussion with the young partner, you will need to determine the most appropriate education, training or work-based learning activity for them to undertake. To decide what activities are most appropriate, you should consider:
- the young partner's individual circumstances
- whether the activity is suitable for the young partner
- other information you already have about the young partner (for example a plan may have been established by Oranga Tamariki)
- the young partner's overall future goals and needs
A young person must undertake education, training or work-based learning to receive their benefit, unless they qualify for an exemption, or the obligation to be in education or training doesn't apply because their youngest dependent child is under six months.
Where the youngest dependent child reaches the age of six months, the young person may be required to attend a Teen Parent Unit if a suitable place is available. For more information see:
You do not need the young partner's agreement to the activities you set for them.
When education or training will be most appropriate
The first approved activity to consider for young partners is secondary education.
You will need to assess whether the young partner should continue to attend, or return to secondary education.
There may be reasons why secondary education will not be appropriate for the young partner. These include (but are not limited to) where the young partner:
- has been expelled and not able to attend another school
- has experienced severe bullying
- leaves school in October and turns 18 or 19 in November
In situations where a young partner cannot return to secondary education, the next option to consider is employment-related training or work-based learning.
For more information see:
When developmental activities will be appropriate
A young partner may require other support and services to successfully participate in or achieve their activity obligation to be in education, training or work-based learning as well as gain and retain sustainable employment in the future.
For more information see:
