Financial Support
If parents are having problems meeting the costs of stationery, uniforms, school trips and such, then they can ask the school for help. Many schools have discretionary funds and work financial assistance into their budget. Work and Income also provides financial support for low income parents - but you must be a permanent resident or New Zealand citizen to qualify.
In addition, there is a special Out-of-School Care and Recreation subsidy (OSCAR) provided by Work and Income for the after-school care of five to 13 year olds during and outside school time. The subsidy is based on the number and age of the children needing care, the parents’ pre-tax earnings, and the children attending an approved OSCAR care provider. The subsidy is available for up to 20 hours during the school week and 50 hours during holidays.
OSCAR Subsidy - Work and Income website
Special Needs
Students with special educational needs are brought into the New Zealand classroom, wherever possible. Schools can provide teacher aides as well as extra equipment or materials to help children with disabilities, learning difficulties, communication or behaviour issues, or sensory or physical impairments. Assistance is also offered in the form of public transport to school.
- Special Education - Ministry of Education website
- Transport Assistance - Ministry of Education website
Reading Recovery
New Zealand schools operate a highly effective reading recovery programme designed to reduce dramatically the number of children with literacy difficulties. Targeted at children aged six and seven, it provides a second wave of teaching effort for children who have been slow to get underway in their first year at school. The programme is intensive and structured around close consultation with a teacher who spends half an hour daily with a student for 20 weeks. Reading recovery is funded by the Ministry of Education and is therefore a free service.
Learning English in Schools
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in schools is designed to meet the needs of teaching and helping students with difficulties in adapting to English. A special Ministry of Education ESOL fund is available to schools. This ESOL help may be in the form of an ESOL trained teacher or teacher’s aide accompanying a student to class, or separate English language lessons. This is a free service for primary and secondary school students.
