Residential School Closure

Residential School Closure

media release SEPAnz Exec

The government’s decision today to retain half the country’s residential schools is recognition of the need to support the country’s most vulnerable students, the Special Education Principals Association NZ (SEPANZ) President said today.

Education Minister Hekia Parata announced the likely closure of McKenzie Residential School in Christchurch and Salisbury School in Nelson. From next year their students will be home-managed by a range of agencies through the Intensive Wraparound Service.

However, Halswell Residential College in Christchurch and Westbridge Residential School in Auckland will remain open.

SEPANZ president Graeme Daniel said the proposal to retain Westbridge and establish a co-education residential facility at Halswell will continue the provision of residential options for special education in New Zealand.

``The core business of these schools will ensure students with significant needs are not alienated from education,’’ Daniel said.

`` These students will be transitioned through the proposed Intensive Wraparound Service on their return to their home and school in their local community.

``It is disappointing that Salisbury and McKenzie are likely to close at the end of the year. Both these schools have provided many students with positive learning outcomes over many years re-engaging them with education,’’ Daniel said.

ENDS

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