Strengthening inclusion and modernising learning support Dr David Wales, National Director of Special Education Early Childhood Advisory Council 8 September 2016

What’s changing Moving from Moving to Focus is on services & who delivers A child-centred system Tightly prescribed, siloed services Limited early or tailored support One simple process for access Tailored support, as soon as possible Parents and whānau not informed or involved in decisions Collaboration with parents, whānau, teachers, professionals Transitions are poorly managed Transitions are planned, managed Limited information available Achievement information - for both individual learners and the system Focus is on learner deficits Language focuses on difference, is a barrier to an inclusive system. One inclusive education system for all (not one for most and another for “special needs” learners)

Learning support system With stronger systemic support Teacher capability Improved information Clear accountabilities Evidence-informed investment

Cabinet decisions in four areas Measure performance and improve accountability Improve investment decisions, including an initial focus on: ORS Communication Services Behaviour Services Deliver services more effectively Change our language

Performance and accountability Design one inclusive system for ALL learners, regardless of who delivers NOT one system for most, with another for “special” learners Work with the sector to define learning support success and sector- wide accountabilities: Balance local relevance with tracking system performance A more responsive system that adapts to local challenges needs: Less prescriptive central management Clear outcomes and better monitored accountabilities

Improving investment decisions Improve investment decisions to ensure the most suitable and effective learning support happens as early as possible: Clear evidence that early learning support can have greater benefits Move resourcing to where services are proven and demand is forecast Better information on volumes, costs and timeliness to inform investment Improving investment decisions is complex and must be done in a considered and careful way

Thinking differently - investment This graph is indicative only - better support for younger children is expected to lead to lower demand later on

Improving investment decisions Cabinet has approved us looking at the policy for: The Ongoing Resourcing Scheme - particularly for 18 – 21 year olds, so support is targeted at the right students at the right time Behaviour Services, for more flexibility Communication Services, for the benefits of earlier intervention We’ll report back to Cabinet

Delivering services better The Ministry’s current services have evolved over many years: Silos exist, access is difficult, innovation is harder to achieve Changes will remove fragmentation and simplify access to services and decisions The new approach: Is child-centred (not service driven) Is collaborative (involving teachers, parents, whānau, others) Has learning plans for individuals Has a single point of contact and accountability We’re supporting establishment of the new Ministry of Vulnerable Children

Changing our language We’re modifying our every day language The Ministry is moving away from terms like “special needs” and “special education” These accentuate difference and can act as a powerful barrier to a fully inclusive education system “Inclusive education” and “learning support” better describe the support we want to provide all children and young people Cabinet has agreed to further work being done in the implications of changing special education terminology to improve the inclusiveness of the education system

Learning Support Update Next steps Work to support Investing in Children developments and the new Ministry of Vulnerable Children From 2017 – implement the Ministry’s modernised learning support structure March 2017 - report back to Cabinet on any proposed policy changes (ie ORS, Behaviour Services and Communication Services) and progress with implementation

More information www.education.govt.nz http://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/specific- initiatives/learning-support-update/ http://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of- education/information-releases/learning-support-update/ If you have any questions please contact: Special.education@education.govt.nz