Learning Support: What Is It?

When might my child need Learning Support?

One in 5 tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) need some kind of extra support for their learning.

Your child may need extra support if they have needs that are affecting their learning or participation in everyday life such as:

• developmental delays with talking, walking or playing with others
• hearing or vision difficulties
• difficulties with learning, communicating or getting along with others
• emotional or behavioural difficulty

What kind of extra support is available through Learning Support?

Everyday learning environments, such as an early learning service or school offer many opportunities for your child to learn. If teachers recognise that your child has learning support needs then you and your child may benefit from a range of support.

An individual learning plan or programme

An individual learning plan is developed with you and the learning team, to build your child's skills.

Additional specialist support

This is a specialist to work with you, teachers and other staff to change everyday learning contexts to support your child's learning and participation alongside their peers.

Special equipment

There may be special equipment available to support your child's learning.

Incredible Years Programme

The Incredible Years Parent Programme provides you with specific skills to build on your relationships with your child. These skills encourage your child's play, language, learning and social development. The Ministry of Education and other contracted providers run the programme for parents of tamariki aged 3 to 8 years.

Is Learning Support available for my child before they go to school?

See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support before your child goes to school

Is Learning Support available for my child when they go to school?

See the KidsHealth page on Learning Support when your child is at school

Will there be any cost for Learning Support services?

Learning Support services are Government-funded and are provided free to schools and early learning services.

You may be asked to provide information to help your child's teacher make an application for the following 2 types of funding.

Ongoing Resourcing Scheme (ORS)

See the KidsHealth page about Learning Support when your child has significant needs

School High Health Needs Fund and regional health schools

See the KidsHealth page about Learning Support when your child has high health needs