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How to know if your child needs learning support#
If you have concerns about your child's learning, communication or behaviour, it can help to talk to someone knowledgeable who also knows your mokopuna | child.
You can start by talking to your child's teacher or your doctor. They may be able to help you with strategies you can try at home to support your child. They can also let you know if more support is needed and help with next steps you may need to take.
How our learning support teams work with schools and kura#
In many cases, children's needs can be met by their school or kura. We aim to support schools and kura to meet the needs of all tamariki | children. Often, we provide resources for teachers to use. Our support teams also work directly with teachers to help them meet children's needs.
If your tamaiti | child needs more tailored support, our team might provide specialist help to support your child's teacher. They may also work directly with your child.
Who will be involved when extra support is needed#
Our specialists work in collaborative teams. Any specialists who work with your child and their teachers will be able to use a wide range of resources and expertise. Our team includes:
- speech-language therapists
- learning support advisors
- psychologists
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- advisers on Deaf children
- Kaitakawaenga.
Learning support coordinators (LSCs)#
LSCs are experienced teachers who:
- support your child to get the right help earlier
- make it easier for families to understand and access learning support at school
- better support teachers to meet diverse learning needs.
By 2028, all schools and kura with Years 1 to 8 students will have access to an in-school LSC. This will improve access to learning support.
Learning support coordinator increase
Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)#
Schools also have access to the RTLB service. RTLB are specialist kaiako or teachers who each work across several schools and kura. They may work with groups of teachers, with school leaders, or directly with students to support learning and behaviour needs.
Support plans#
Some children and their whānau | families need tailored support plans. These are sometimes known as Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Schools develop support plans with input from us where needed. They are focused on the needs and aspirations of the whānau and child.
The learning support team will work with other agencies to develop support plans alongside other services such as child development teams.
How to access learning support#
Talk to your child's teacher#
Talking with your child's teacher is a good place to start. It does not have to be a formal meeting. You can raise your concerns with teachers during a casual conversation.
Part of a teacher’s role is to observe children’s learning and development. If you or your child's teacher have concerns, it's good to talk about this together.
Teachers often have strategies or approaches they can try within the classroom that you can also support at home. Making a plan together is a good place to start.
Your school or kura may also have a teacher responsible for learning support, such as an LSC, who you can talk to.
If your child's teacher thinks they may need to work with our learning support team to plan how to further meet your child's needs, they can contact us with your permission.
Talk to your child's healthcare provider#
You can also talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child.
Contact our learning support team#
If you need more advice after talking to your school, you can contact our learning support team directly to talk about your concerns. They can help you to understand whether your child may need additional support, and if so, what options may be available.
Your regional office can also provide support.
If your child is not enrolled at school or kura#
We will help you find a suitable school or kura for your child. All children have the right to attend their local school. We know that being around other tamariki or rangatahi | young people is beneficial for learning and wellbeing.
Learning support resources for parents#
Incredible Years support programmes are for parents who are wanting to gain skills and confidence in developing their children’s social and emotional learning and communication skills. There is also a specific Incredible Years programme for parents of children who may have autism.
These programmes are government-funded and free.
Incredible Years programme – Te Kete Ipurangi
Incredible Years Autism programme – Te Kete Ipurangi
Our Inclusive Education website has guides to supporting diverse learners that are helpful to both teachers and parents.
