11 May 2016

Govt to boost teacher aide funding

2:16 pm on 11 May 2016
A view from behind of teacher aide and two little girls while rest of class taught  further into classroom.

A teacher aide works with special needs students at Newmarket School in Auckland. Photo: RNZ / John Gerritsen

The government's Budget later this month will include an extra $15 million over four years to pay for teacher aides for children with special needs, the Education Minister says.

The announcement is the second stage in a government plan to increase teacher aide hours for children who have special needs but do not qualify for the highest levels of support.

Education Minister Hekia Parata says the new spending will help 1250 children.

The funding is on top of last year's Budget decision to provide an extra $23 million over four years, for teacher aide hours for 1500 children.

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