3536 (2026). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Education

3536 (2026). Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan to the Minister of Education: How, if at all, does the Minister expect disabled children who are declined funding to get the same support as non-disabled children at school?

Hon Erica Stanford: The Ministry of Education (the Ministry) does not collect or keep data on disability status or diagnosis. Access to support is determined by the level of a student’s presenting needs within everyday educational contexts. Many students’ needs can be met through teaching and the supports already available in early learning settings and schools. Ministry Learning Support services are only accessed when more targeted and tailored approaches are required. There are a range of supports available which include: the Ongoing Resourcing Scheme, the School High Health Needs Fund, the Intensive Wraparound Scheme Te Kahu Tōī, and communication, physical difficulty and behaviour services, and the Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour. The Ministry has a range of specialist staff to support schools, families and children with a range of additional learning needs.