Learning Support

Oranga School supports all children in their learning. Our inclusive practices ensure that students who may have additional learning needs are given the necessary support to effectively access all areas of the curriculum

Extra support for learners may include:

Adapted classroom learning programmes
Individual education plans (IEPs) developed in collaboration with whānau
Access to outside support agencies
Specialised equipment and/or materials
Allocated Learning Assistant time
Participation in learning support programmes

THE LEARNING SUPPORT TEAM

Deputy Principal and SENCo

Sara Melville is our Deputy Principal and SENco. She is responsible for the student's pastoral care and supporting teachers to deliver an inclusive curriculum.

Sara's role is to:

supporting teachers to track and support student learning for those who are identified as having additional learning or behavior needs that fall outside of the typical classroom parameters
seek additional support through her knowledge and connections to outside agencies
liaise between whānau, teachers, and outside support agencies
overseeing Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
lead the Learning Assistant team
use data to implement learning support programmes across the school that target the specific needs of our students

For any additional support, please do not hesitate to make contact with Sara dp@oranga.school.nz

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.

Learning Support Coordinators (LSCs)

The LSCs support the SENco to ensure that students have equitable access to learning support, this includes:

observing students in class and gathering information to make applications to outside support agencies

upskilling Learning Assistants to deliver quality learning support programmes
being a liaison between whānau and the school
supporting students transition to and from school
organising learning support meetings.

Fatima

Barbara

Learning Assistants

Oranga School employs a large number of staff to assist our students with additional needs while also supporting the classroom teacher. Learning Assistant roles include:

working with a small number of students one to one
working with small groups of students overseen by the classroom teacher
running learning support programmes
supporting all children in the classroom while the teacher works with students with additional needs

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 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 Laura by phoning the school office or by email.

Va Hunkin

Learning support programmes at Oranga School

We offer a range of learning support programmes that cater specifically to the learning needs of our students. Programmes are regularly reviewed and student progress monitored. Click on the links below to learn more about learning support programmes at Oranga