Disabled learners in Aotearoa New Zealand can access a range of supports within mainstream schools to help them learn, participate, and succeed alongside their peers.
1. Learning Support (In-School Support)
Most schools provide or can access some additional learning support services, including:
- In-class support (ICS) for students without ORS funding
- Teacher aide support
- Individual or small-group teaching
- Adapted learning programmes
- Help with communication, behaviour, or social skills
2. Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
Many students have an IEP, which is a personalised plan developed with the student, whānau, and teachers. It sets goals and outlines the supports needed to achieve them.
3. Specialist Support Services
Schools may work with external specialists, such as:
- Speech-language therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Psychologists
- Resource teachers (e.g. RTLB – Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour)
4. ORS and Funded Support
Some students with higher needs receive Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS) funding, which provides additional teacher time, teacher aides, and specialist support.
Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is the person in a school responsible for coordinating support for students with additional learning needs or disabilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Identifies and plans support
Works with teachers to recognise students who need extra help and plan appropriate support. - Coordinates support services
Organises things like teacher aides, specialist input (e.g. RTLB, therapists), and learning resources. - Develops and oversees IEPs
Helps create and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure goals and supports are in place. - Supports teachers
Provides guidance and strategies so teachers can better support learners in the classroom. - Works with whānau and agencies
Acts as a key contact for families and external services, ensuring everyone works together. - Monitors progress
Tracks how well supports are working and adjusts plans as needed.
Overall Role
The SENCO ensures that students with additional needs receive coordinated, consistent, and effective support, helping them participate fully in school life.
You can ask your local school if they have a SENCO, and arrange to talk with them prior to your child starting school or once your child is at school. They will be able to guide you through the next steps.