Government continues to fail students with special needs

Government continues to fail students with special needs

7 July 2015

Children with special needs are continuing to miss out on inclusive education because of an under-resourced and underfunded system, says NZEI Te Riu Roa President Louise Green.

Louise Green says she’s concerned that the Ministry of Education’s “Update of Special Education” currently looking at major changes to the way the service is delivered, will not address the real problems facing schools and early childhood education centres.

“Schools simply do not get adequate support for special needs children.

“The ORS (Ongoing Resource Funding) for special needs students is rationed to just one percent. This means many schools and ECE centres are left to provide extra support through employing teacher aides paid for by their operation grants.

“There is a lack of support for those teacher aides – both in their career pathways and professional development and training opportunities.

“It is not acceptable that teacher aides are expected to “learn on the job” when they are working every day with students with the most challenging needs. Most teacher aides are paid just above the adult minimum wage.”

Louise Green says there is significant unease amongst parents and educators that the Ministry’s Update of Special Education will not address real issues facing schools, ECE centres and parents of children with special needs.

“The review was sprung on us a couple of months ago and we were given very little opportunity to provide feedback.

“We understand the paper is being presented to Cabinet this month so we are concerned at the lack of opportunity for any genuine consultation."

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