Learning Support
At Oranga School, we believe every child has the right to feel valued, included, and successful.
We welcome all learners and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every ākonga is supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our approach is strengths-based, recognising and building on each child’s unique abilities, interests, and aspirations. Guided by our values of Manaakitanga (we are respectful), Hiringa (we are determined), and Haepapa (we are responsible), we foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and every learner is encouraged to achieve their personal best.
We know that every child learns differently. By taking the time to understand each learner’s strengths, motivations, and individual needs, we are able to adapt teaching and learning programmes to provide the right level of support and challenge. We work closely with whānau and, where appropriate, external specialists to develop personalised learning plans that enable every student to participate, make progress, and experience success.
Support may include adaptations to classroom programmes, targeted interventions, specialised resources, additional adult support, or adjustments to the learning environment. Our goal is always to remove barriers to learning and provide every child with equitable opportunities to succeed.
Depending on a learner’s needs, support at Oranga School may include:
Adapted classroom learning programmes
Individual Education Plans (IEPs) developed in partnership with whānau
Targeted learning support and intervention programmes
Guidance and support from Learning Assistants
Access to specialised equipment, resources, and assistive technologies
Collaboration with external agencies and specialist services
We value strong partnerships with whānau and believe that when schools, families, and specialists work together, children are best supported to reach their full potential.
Literacy Support Teachers
We are fortunate to have two highly experienced teachers, Becks and Annie, who work with small groups of learners for targeted, short-term support in Literacy. Their programmes are carefully designed to accelerate progress, build confidence, and strengthen essential skills through focused, structured teaching. Through their expertise and strong relationships with students, they enable learners to make meaningful, accelerated progress towards curriculum expectations.
They use up-to-date data to carefully identify the students who will benefit most from this support, and work closely alongside classroom teachers to ensure learning is targeted, cohesive, and responsive. This collaborative approach ensures that strategies are aligned with classroom programmes, enabling students to transfer their learning with confidence and sustain their progress over time.
Oranga School employs a large number of staff to assist our students with additional needs.
Our Learning Assistants support our teachers and student by:
- working with a small number of students one to one
- working with small groups of students overseen by the classroom teacher
- running targeted learning support programmes
It is important that no child feels singled out. Our Learning Assistants ensure that students are participating in the regular classroom programmes alongside their peers. The effectiveness of all support is constantly monitored, with student and whānau voice playing a pivotal role.
Public Health Nurse
Our PHN (Public Health Nurse), spends one day a week at Oranga School, visiting children and supporting teachers. She brings her medical expertise and is able to provide support for:
- allergy management
- ongoing health concerns
- hearing and vision
- referrals to Paedeatrics
- access to public health services
- dental services
For a Public Health Nurse referral please contact Sara Melville by phoning the school office or by email.
SWIS Social Worker in Schools
Va Hunkin is our SWIS (Social Worker in Schools), she works at Oranga School 1-2 times per week and is a valuable support for the Oranga community. Some of the ways in which Va can support whānau includes:
- advice and referrals to family support services
- food parcels
- advocacy for social housing and WINZ
- referrals to Variety the children’s charity
- support for individual students e.g., mentoring, social development groups
If you have any questions or would like to be put in touch with Va, please contact Sara Melville by phoning the school office or by email.
