Transition

Waitaha School is a stepping stone, not a forever destination.

We partner with regular schools to ensure all learners in our community have the opportunity to grow, thrive, and succeed.

Seeking an Inclusive Solution

The demand for placements in specialist schools continues to rise, but spaces are limited—we need to rethink how we operate. Research shows that enrolment in inclusive regular schools improves both the academic and social achievement of all ākonga (students), including those with additional learning needs. Rather than having students in specialist schools from ages five to 21, Waitaha School, in partnership with the local Ministry of Education and regular schools, is working collaboratively to support successful enrolment and transition to students' local regular schools. This ensures that ākonga can exercise their right to attend their local school full-time, alongside their siblings, neighbours, and friends, resulting in better social and academic outcomes for all.

Transitioning from Waitaha School to regular schools

We have a comprehensive process for supporting ākonga transitioning from our kura to regular schools. No two transitions from Waitaha to regular schools are the same; we work flexibly to support schools, kaiako (teachers), ākonga (students), and whānau (families). Depending on the needs of the regular school the transition process may take a few weeks or span several terms.

When a young person is enrolled at Waitaha School, their local regular school (intaking school) along with their MOE Service Manager is notified of the enrolment and becomes involved in the transition process from the outset to ensure a smooth and successful transition to Waitaha School and subsequently to their local regular school.