Special Needs

Central Normal School provides wide ranging programmes to support the learning needs of children. Programmes for children with disabilities are under the direction of the Assistant Principal, three specialist teachers and a team of teacher aides to ensure the best possible teaching and learning for these children.

Central Normal School is a ‘fundholder’ for ORS (Ongoing Resourcing Scheme) students. These students are verified by the Ministry of Education to have ongoing high or very high levels of need including specialist support.

Inclusion Policy

Our school philosophy on inclusive education is embraced by the whole school, from the children, the teachers, the Principal and the Board of Trustees. In co-operation with parents, family and whanau we provide quality educational programmes for children with high and very high special education needs through:

IEP's (Individual Education Plans) written twice a year with parents/caregivers
specialist one to one intervention
appropriate adapation of curriculum content
daily special education support in the regular classroom
specialist teacher contact time
the option of learning in a bi lingual Maori class

A detailed brochure about these programmes is available from the school office

A word from our special needs teachers...

Special Education Barbara Sperl – M.SpEd.; Dip Tchg.

Hi. I am with the Special Education arm of the school and I am currently overseeing the programme of 9 ORS funded students. I enjoy creating learning environments for students that support their learning and overall growth. My two main areas of interest are Autism and Communication. I look back on over 25 years of experience in special education (some of it in Switzerland), but I still learn something new every day from, and with, the students. I believe that Central Normal School is a great place for students to learn and for staff to teach.

Senior Management - Kerry Howard (Assistant Principal) – B.Ed, Grad. Diploma in Literacy Education, Dip Tchg, Reading Recovery trained

Hi, my name is Kerry Howard and I am one of the 2 Assistant Principals at CNS, as well as SENCO, ORS Manager and ORS teacher. I have the responsibility for special education at our fantastic school. This is an exciting job as I get to work with some of our students who have high needs and very high needs in special education and also be a member of our school’s senior management team. I lead a wonderful and very hard working team consisting of three special education teachers and more than 20 Teacher Aides. I have been working at CNS for 15years and I love being part of this exciting and very diverse school.

Some of our Parent Comments and Our Blog:

Central Normal School has most definitely been the right choice for our daughter with special needs. We have very close contact with her teachers and her teacher aide, which makes things run so smoothly. My daughter is given all the help and support to achieve her very best. The other students are so supportive and friendly towards children with special needs. She has made many friends. We know that she is happy at school.

My son with special needs attends Central Normal School. The teaching is wonderful. A lot of time is put in to help the children and there is a lot of support for the parents too.

Central Normal School has been a great school to send my child with special needs because of the mainstream system they have and the children are not singled out. The other children at school accept them with no problem. The staff give these children the best of care. I would recommend this school to anyone with children with special needs.

For Further information contact: Shona Oliver (Principal) or Kerry Howard (Assistant Principal) - click here for our contact page.

Special Needs Menu

What we offer

Home -school liaison
Cooking and lifeskills programme
Speech language therapy according to IEP objectives
Music and movement
Oral language groups
Educational visits in the local community
Swimming programme
Computer assisted learning
Behaviour management programmes

Our Resources

friendly, experienced and qualified teaching staff
modern and attractive school classrooms and facilities
caring, enthusiastic support staff and teacher aides
a school van for transporting high and very high need children to and from school and for use on school trips
itinerant teacher support where appropriate
up to date technology