Moving from Kōhanga

… to Kura Kaupapa to Wharekura
…ki te Kura Kaupapa Māori me te Wharekura

You’ll probably find that the kōhanga and kura are connected to and/or located closely to each other, so the move to kura may be relatively smooth and the kura may be known to your whānau.

This is a good opportunity for your whānau to be involved in the changes that are happening for your tamaiti and to work out what support they need. You will probably be guided by the ‘kawa’ of the setting and may be led by Kaumatua or representatives from within your local Māori community. It’s important that all partners in the change process share information about your tamaiti.

… to mainstream school
…ki te kura auraki

When your tamaiti is moving from kōhanga reo to school, whānau and the school will need to share useful information so that everyone works in partnership and understands the significance of the new environment that your tamaiti is moving into.

In preparing for the first meeting with the school, you may want to list particular issues that you would like to discuss and questions you may have. You might want to talk with the school about:

• your tamaiti’s strengths and preferences
• how the school will be able to support and enhance your tamaiti’s culture and identity (eg, opportunities for your tamaiti to use te reo Māori and tikanga)
• how you and your whānau will want to be involved in your tamaiti’s education and in school activities
• how you would like the school to communicate and share information with you about your tamaiti.

You may wish to take along an advocate or support person or people such as family members to the first meeting – and even later on.

Special Education employs Kaitakawaenga. Their role is to provide culturally appropriate services to Māori children, their whānau and educators. Contact the Special Education Kaitakawaenga or your key worker if you want to discuss the issues above or others you may have.