Special Needs Unit Closure Would Be ‘Cruel’ On Children
Tracey Martin MP
Spokesperson for Education
8 June 2012
Special Needs Unit Closure Would Be ‘Cruel’ On Children – NZ First
New Zealand First is supporting moves to stop the Government from closing the Ranui Primary Special Needs Unit in West Auckland which would force the kids to attend mainstream classes.
Education spokesperson Tracey Martin was among MPs who were today presented with a petition signed by 12,000 New Zealanders to stop the Ranui and other proposed special unit closures.
“The full mainstreaming of these children is cruel. They will not receive the attention they need to maximise their ability to participate in society.
“It is another example of the Government implementing dodgy cost cutting measures without understanding the consequences of their actions.”
Ms Martin says special needs children require life skills and practical training but don’t need to be measured against a flawed set of national standards.
“We are committed to working with parents and teachers to develop flexible teaching models that wisely invests in education for today and the future.”
ENDS