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Moving from early learning to primary school#
All tamariki | children have the right to attend their local school or kura and be part of their local community. There are many benefits to inclusion for all learners.
Children learn best alongside their same-age peers, in everyday settings like home and school. We support children and their whānau | family to start school along with their classmates.
Learning support continues from early learning through Year 1 at school with the expanded Early Intervention Service (EIS).
Planning ahead for school#
Children with higher learning support needs will have a lead worker. The lead worker will know when to be in touch with your child's school or kura to start preparing.
Your lead worker will work with you to talk to class teachers and other school-based staff such as:
- education needs coordinators
- learning support coordinators (LSCs).
Together, you will work out how they can best support your child at school.
They will help you to talk with teachers about your child's support needs and their strengths. We may help the school change their physical environment such as building ramps.
As well as working with you, we will also work with teachers to identify any other services or resources they may need, such as:
- kaitakawaenga support
- other specialist support
- LSCs
- programmes designed to support children's learning in the classroom, such as the Incredible Years teacher programme
- advice from specialist teachers in learning and behaviour.
Support in Year 1#
Support can continue to be available through Year 1 at school. If your child needs support beyond Year 1, we will support ongoing transitions. This could be to Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) or other specialist supports.
Our specialists work in collaborative teams. Any specialists who work with your child's early learning service Te Kōhanga Reo will be able to access a wide range of resources and expertise to support your child and their teacher.
If you have not accessed learning support in the early years, contact your school directly. They will be able to talk to you about any concerns you have about your child starting school and what support they may need. The school will then get in touch with us if they think they need support.
If your child has very complex and ongoing support needs, they may qualify for Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding. This stays with learners throughout their school life. Your lead worker will help with this application. It can be completed from the time your child is 4 years and 8 months old.
Progressing through school and beyond#
When your child is at school, their teacher becomes the lead for their learning support needs. They will work with our team to make sure your child continues to receive the support they need.
You can also contact us directly for more advice and support.
