12. GRANT ROBERTSON (Labour—Wellington Central) Link to this
to the Minister of Education
How will she resource her goal of having 80 percent of schools operating on a fully inclusive basis by 2014?
Hon RODNEY HIDE (Associate Minister of Education) Link to this
Since Budget 2009 the Government has committed an additional $69 million over 4 years to provide services and support to an additional 2,000 children a year. The additional resourcing is important, but funding alone will not make the difference needed to achieve the goal of 80 percent of schools being fully inclusive by 2014. Positive attitudes are at the heart of achieving inclusive schools. There is already over $450 million in the special education budget, and half of all schools are already fully inclusive in their practice, according to the Education Review Office.
Given that answer, can the Minister confirm that the funding announced yesterday is the same funding that was announced in the 2009 Budget, and that no new resources are being allocated to achieve the goal of more inclusive schools?
No. As I said, positive attitudes are at the heart. But, in addition, I announced a package of $25.6 million over 4 years to give a further 1,000 children access to additional individual support. I also want to put this on record: I have confidence in the leadership and the teachers in schools and in the entire community to work for the best result for every child.
Does the Minister support the view of her Associate Minister that “attitudes” will be the most important factor in creating inclusive schools, despite the fact that only 15 percent of the respondents to the review agreed with that, while 33 percent thought funding was the priority, or is this a continuation of the Prime Minister’s rescue plan for the economy: “Summer is coming.”?
Lynne PillayCan the Minister confirm that the $2.5 million worth of funding cuts for occupational and physical therapy in schools will not be reinstated despite students, parents, teachers, and therapists calling for it to be given back to our most vulnerable children?