Huge changes to the Education Act have passed through Parliament.

Among them is the adoption of cohort entry, which allows four year olds to enrol in Primary School as early as eight weeks before their fifth birthday.

In other changes, children will have the option to be schooled online, through an accredited provider, which any school can apply to be.

In passing its third reading The Education Update Amendment Bill also eliminates the use of seclusion and limits physical restraint to special cases.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye said the amendment is a significant milestone for our education system, and is congratulating her predecessor, Hekia Parata, on her work in getting these changes into law.