This Government is delivering a further 20 new specialist classrooms across nine schools, giving students the support they need, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
This $23 million investment brings the government’s total investment in specialist education infrastructure to more than $317 million, helping students with high and complex learning support needs access environments built for their needs.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed in a classroom that supports them. For decades, while adults have argued about inclusion, children with high and complex needs have been waiting for action. This Government has drawn a line in the sand: inclusion is choice, and special education is a vital part of the schooling network, providing options for families,” Ms Stanford says.
In total, the $317 million funded delivers:
- 142 new specialist classrooms
- Three new specialist schools – in Drury, Palmerston North and Gisborne – the first built in New Zealand in nearly 50 years
- Comprehensive redevelopments at six existing specialist schools
“Demand for specialist learning environments continues to grow – these projects will help ensure parents have choice and students can access the support they need throughout their education journey,” Ms Stanford says.