Special education improvement projects planned for Tauranga

Simon Bridges. Photo/File

Seven schools will participate in projects to better support children with special education needs, said Local MP Simon Bridges.

"Here in Tauranga 7 local schools will soon offer a more effective additional learning support process.

"This will benefit learners, parents, and teachers as struggling children will receive the help they need sooner," he said.

The schools include Gate Pa School, Greenpark School, Tauranga Boys' College, Tauranga Girls' College, Tauranga Intermediate, Tauranga Primary School and Welcome Bay School.

Feedback from the recent Ministry of Education consultation process revealed the current system of additional learning support is too complicated and people want easier access to appropriate support.

"Our local projects are the result of community consultation over what additional learning support improvements are needed. These will be supplemented by national improvements which will result in a more streamlined approach to additional learning support.

"The Ministry of Education held 156 forums around the country, and over 3,650 parents, families, young people and educators contributed feedback since April.

"Their feedback has driven these projects and I am confident our child-centred approach will deliver for children needing extra help," said Mr Bridges.

From mid-2016 a new streamlined approach will be rolled out to better support children and young people who are in need of additional learning support.

In the meantime, 22 improvement projects will start in the coming weeks across New Zealand.

These projects are part of National's focus to deliver better education services for every child.