It’s against the law for any educational institution in New Zealand to discriminate against a student because they have a disability. Services for children and young people with special needs are provided by the Ministry of Education’s Special Education Service. There are 28 special needs day schools in New Zealand, but many parents opt to ‘mainstream’ their children at local schools. A range of support is available to ensure that students with special needs can access the curriculum. For example, all schools receive a grant called the special education grant (SEG) and can employ specially trained staff called ‘resource teachers’.

Regional Health Schools provide a national service for students with greater health needs from bases in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. There are also two residential special schools (in Auckland and Christchurch – see below) to support students who have hearing impairments, and one to support students who are visually impaired. Teachers at these schools also provide support to pupils in local schools. Details of these and schools for students with other social needs, and entry criteria can be found at www.minedu.govt.nz. Support agencies such as IHC (Interactive Health Communication) can also help you select a suitable school for your child. Visit its website at www.ihc.org.nz.

Special Education offices in your area are listed under the Ministry of Education in the ‘Government Phone Listings’ section at the front of the Yellow Pages.