At Browns Bay School we aim to have an inclusive environment with participation, engagement and achievement for all learners.
While most of our children excel, some need some extra help. In selecting services, we seek to provide the best possible support to provide equitable access for everyone.
Special needs encompass a wide range of educational, physical, health, emotional, social and behavioural difficulties that can make it more difficult for students to access the curriculum.
We aim to foster positive home/school relationships, to ensure the best outcomes for our students with special educational needs.
If you consider your child has an issue and may need special needs support, please approach your child’s teacher.
Funding: This is made available primarily through the Ministry of Education Learning Support i.e. Special Education Grant, Ongoing Resource scheme, Severe and Challenging Behaviour etc. The Ministry of Education provides support for students with high or very high needs.
The Board of Trustees has recognised special education needs of students and contributes significant funding towards extension programmes, teacher aide support and the provision of additional resources. While we are grateful for this, this is a limited resource.
What we provide:
In school identification – Teachers refer students to the special needs coordinator or senior leader, if they consider these students are showing signs of difficulty, or where parents have mentioned a concern. Data is collected and these needs are prioritised and considered for further support, if appropriate.
Classroom support and school based programmes – In most cases we aim to deliver special needs support within the classroom. At times we will operate outside the classroom where this is considered the best option.
Reading Recovery – The Ministry of Education provides some funding for this resource and the school board contributes the balance. Reading Recovery is an accelerated reading and writing programme that supports six year olds to accelerate their progress to reach the level of their peers. It is an intensive 1-1 daily tuition programme for half an hour each day for up to approximately 20 weeks.
Other Intervention programmes – We offer a number of other intervention programmes aimed to raise the achievement of our students. These programmes are supported by teacher aides and include a targeted writing groups, STEPs, Quick 60 and COSMDBRICs.
Other agencies we can access for help and support:
Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour – This is a group of specialised teachers that work across local schools and give support and advice for managing students with learning and/or behaviour needs. Their service is accessed by application and the teachers work alongside families and school staff to develop an individual learning plan for the child. RTLB have children on their books for up to 30 weeks.
Ministry of Education Learning Support – this service supports students with moderate to severe learning, physical, behavioural and communication needs. This service is also accessed by application.
Public Health Nurse – This nurse attached to Waitemata District Health Board, can provide support for parents and children in the home for a range of health, welfare and behavioural needs. They also provide education and support to school staff in managing particular health needs.
Others – Child and Family counselling, Marinoto, Wilson School and Wairau Valley Special School.
We hope this information is useful. Please contact your class teacher or the school SENCo if you need some more information.