Categories: News

Education funding advisory group report released

Education minister Hekia Parata has welcomed the report from the Funding Advisory Group and acknowledged the finding that six out of seven of the Funding Review proposals should go forward for further work.

“This review is about putting our children and young people at the heart of the funding system, ensuring that students are getting the best support they can to achieve their full potential,” says Ms Parata.

Reflecting the significance of the review this was only the second time that education leaders have had the opportunity to be involved in discussions before policy development.

“I would like to thank the 18 representatives, including both presidents of the NZEI and PPTA, for their participation in these discussions. I also acknowledge their appreciation for this level of engagement.

“This was an opportunity to test funding options at an early stage and the group was able to provide their views, even as they noted themselves, that the risks and implications of the proposals on schools can’t yet be fully assessed.”

The six proposals the majority of the group agree should proceed for further work are:

  • Taking a per-child approach to funding
  • Additional funding for those most at risk of underachievement
  • Supplementary funding for small and isolated schools
  • Proposals over the way property funding is delivered
  • Better accountability for student achievement
  • Supporting a diversity of education options

While the PPTA, NZEI and Area Schools opposed the proposal around independent schools’ funding, the majority of the advisory group was comfortable with further work going ahead.

Ms Parata says she was “not surprised” by the group’s recommendation that the proposed global budget not proceed to the next stage of policy development.

“The group’s report, and together with feedback from around 90 regional meetings with teachers and principals, will help inform my report to Cabinet on the options to take forward.

 “The insight from staff right on the front line of education is invaluable,” says Ms Parata.

“I want to make sure that we take the time to get these vitally important decisions right. That is why our timeline for implementation at the earliest would be 2019.”

School News

School News is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.

Recent Posts

English curriculum draft out for consultation

The much-delayed English draft curriculum is now out for consultation, generating discussion from teachers.

2 weeks ago

Arts, culture and recreation positive for the wellbeing of rangatahi

Research from AUT demonstrates arts, culture and recreation have positive impacts on all aspects of…

2 weeks ago

School phone ban one year on: our student survey reveals mixed feelings about its success

How effective has the school phone ban been in achieving its aims? Researchers from the…

2 weeks ago

Learning growing and exploring with school camps and excursions

School camps and excursions deliver hands on learning experiences, helping to consolidate classroom learning.

2 weeks ago

Could an AV system improve learning outcomes and student engagement?

Innovations in AV technologies present new opportunities to engage with students. We look at how…

2 weeks ago

What makes a good teacher?

A new report from the University of Auckland’s Our Voices Project asks young people what…

3 weeks ago