Support for students with special education needs
The aim of the Government's special education policy is to improve learning outcomes for all students including students with special education needs. Special education is about providing students with the additional support they need to access learning - whether it is therapy, transport, changes to the learning programme or environment, specific teaching strategies, and/or specialised equipment or materials.
The role of the board
The role of the board is to ensure that:
- it provides a safe physical and emotional environment for students (National Administration Guide 5) this includes students with special needs
- there are effective partnerships in place to meet that relate to students with special education needs are in place and are applied without discrimination
- students with special needs are identified and there is adequate resourcing to support teaching and learning programmes to meet their needs.
Under the Education Act 1989, all children and young people regardless of disability, have the right to be enrolled in their local school. Students with a Section 9 Agreement or who are verified under the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) can stay at school until age 21. As a trustee you have a responsibility to ensure all the appropriate policies and procedures are in place; that they are objective, and are built around the fundamental principle of every student’s right to learn alongside their peers.
Information about the New Zealand Disability Strategy, Making a World of Difference - Whakanui Oranga is available on the Ministry's New Zealand Disability page.
Special education resourcing
There is a wide range of resources available to support schools. These resources are summarised in the quick guide for boards. You can also find more specific information in the Meeting special education needs resource.
Where families have specific questions or concerns the Boards can refer them to: