NZEI Te Riu Roa raises concerns over government cuts to learning support staff

The union argues that effective truancy strategies depend on a fully resourced learning support sector.

Community Press
April 23, 2024
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A media release issued by NZEI Te Riu Roa brings to light the union's criticism of the government's decision to cut staff at the Ministry of Education who provide essential support to frontline learning support personnel. These reductions are anticipated to adversely affect children, schools, and families, particularly those requiring specialised learning support.

The big picture: A challenge to frontline education

Primary Principal Lynda Stuart voiced concern over the government's decision, highlighting that assurances were made not to impact frontline education workers, according to the media release. However, the removal of critical backend support significantly complicates the roles of essential workers like speech and occupational therapists. Stuart stressed the importance of back-end learning support workers in ensuring the operational effectiveness of schools, which in turn supports children’s learning.

Zoom in: The impact on vulnerable children

NZEI Te Riu Roa particularly emphasised the implications for vulnerable children who depend on specialised support. Stuart noted an increasing number of children arriving at school with heightened needs due to COVID-19-related trauma and economic stresses. With a "glaring scarcity" of frontline learning support staff, the reduction in support not only jeopardises these children's welfare but also exacerbates the workload for already over-stretched learning support professionals.

Details: Truancy strategies at risk

Furthermore, the media release highlighted concerns that staffing cuts could undermine efforts to improve school attendance. The union argues that effective truancy strategies depend on a fully resourced learning support sector, suggesting that reductions in support staff could hinder the integration of children with learning needs.

What's next: Seeking government response

As noted by NZEI Te Riu Roa with the assistance withdrawn, the burden on schools, families, and most importantly, the children themselves is expected to increase. This prompts calls for a comprehensive strategy from the government to address the support void left by these staffing reductions.