The Government has confirmed it will invest $23 million to deliver a further 20 new specialist classrooms across nine schools as part of a $317 million commitment to boosting specialist education infrastructure.
Education Minister Erica Stanford said the new classrooms will help 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,” said Ms Stanford.
“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,” she said.
In total, the $317 million investment will deliver:
- 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.
Schools to receive additional specialist classrooms are:
- Hamilton North School will receive four new classrooms (at the base special school);
- Tāmaki College will receive two specialist classrooms, plus another two satellite classrooms for Sommerville School (the base special school);
- Te Aroha College will receive two satellite classrooms for Goldfields School (the base special school);
- Fairfield Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Patricia Avenue School (the base special school);
- Mt Eden Normal School will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school);
- Royal Oak Intermediate will receive two satellite classrooms for Central Auckland Specialist School (the base special school);
- Kaitaia College will receive one satellite classroom for Blomfield Special School and Resource Centre (the base special school);
- Nga Iwi School will receive two satellite classrooms for Sir Keith Park School (the base special school);
- Green Bay Primary School will receive one satellite classroom for Oaklynn Special School (the base special school).
Base Special School Classrooms are classrooms that are on the base site of a special school, while Satellite Classrooms are associated with a base special school, but located on the site of another school.
