Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Early intervention initiatives not meeting needs of youngest

Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand says much more must be done to ensure our youngest tamariki have faster access to early intervention services.

‘While we agree with Associate Minister of Education, Tracey Martin that it takes time to train experts and a system change is needed, the current Disability and Learning Support Action Plan does not include tamariki under five,’ says Te Rito Maioha Chief Executive, Kathy Wolfe.

‘Today’s waiting times are unacceptable, particularly when you consider how quickly young tamariki develop in the first 1000 days. That is why we also need an interim solution for early childhood education.

‘For example, if some of the current funding was directed to teacher aides and support staff, early learning services could afford to employ these staff for more hours so they could provide more care for the tamariki and whānau that need it the most.’

Looking more broadly, Te Rito Maioha believes that the Early Learning Strategic Plan must be beefed up to include universal provision of early intervention.

‘We have repeatedly voiced our concern over the years about the desperate need for appropriate and accessible early intervention support for tamariki,’ says Kathy.

‘Research shows that the sooner tamariki and whānau receive the support they need, the more likely the tamariki are to succeed in their education.

‘In addition, timely intervention is critical to safeguard the mental wellbeing of teachers.’

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.