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Inclusive Education

From
Date
23 August 2025
Link
inclusive.tki.org.nz/guides/te-ara-ako-learning-pathways-in-times-of-change/get-to-know-whanau-te-mohio-ki-te-whanau

Get to know whānau | Te mōhio ki te whānau

Successful relationships occur when whānau engagement is prioritised before, during, and after transitions.

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Current page section: Get to know whānau | Te mōhio ki te whānau

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Go to top of current page: Get to know whānau | Te mōhio ki te whānau

Go to top of current page: Get to know whānau | Te mōhio ki te whānau

"Kia kotahi te hoe i te waka, kia ū ki uta" 

In order to reach the shore we need to row in unison.

Why this matters | Te take

Why this matters | Te take

Engage with whānau several months before the move from one education setting to the next. This presents an opportunity for valuable insight and a shared vision.

"He waka eke noa"
We’re all in this together.

MoE Inclusive Ed Transitions Illustrations 1

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

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Promote whānau voice | Te reo o te whānau

Promote whānau voice | Te reo o te whānau

Applying the principles of partnership means listening to whānau and their education journey. Identify what is needed to build safety and trust.

Whānau will come with many differing experiences of inclusion and exclusion in education for themselves and their child, which will make them eager to partner with settings or anxious and fearful about further rejection.

Frian Wadia MNZM (Parent/Early Intervention Specialist/Facilitator)

Strengthen opportunities to meet that work for whānau | Hui ā-whānau

Strengthen opportunities to meet that work for whānau | Hui ā-whānau

  • Ask whānau how they would like to meet and greet members of their new school. What works for one family may not work for another (rangatiratanga).
  • Arrange one-on-one meetings with classroom kaiako and support staff in a way that suits whānau.
  • Connect whānau with existing parent networks or support groups, if applicable.
  • Offer school visits at different times of the day.

Acknowledge cultural and community connections | Ngā hononga ahurea, hapori hoki

Acknowledge cultural and community connections | Ngā hononga ahurea, hapori hoki

  • Ask yourself: Are the child's cultures, languages, and identities visible in the classroom or in the school? If not, what can be done to be more inclusive?
  • Connect the transitioning whānau with existing cultural groups in your setting to build a sense of belonging.
  • Host events that connect and enhance cultural ties and community.
  • Is there a parent buddy system to help new parents feel comfortable in the new setting? Are they culturally safe? Some parents feel disconnected from education and this can be a barrier. How can you build belonging?
  • Invite whānau and ākonga to participate in events and celebrations.
  • Ask how whānau can find out more about you and your values in teaching and learning.

Encourage whānau aspirations | Ngā wawata o te whānau

Encourage whānau aspirations | Ngā wawata o te whānau

What aspirations do whānau have for their tamariki? Is there a vision for success? How is this connected to their journey?

Whānau together

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga

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Useful resources | He rauemi

Useful resources | He rauemi

File

Whānau connections guide

Use this printable guide to help gather valuable information about what matters to whānau.

Publisher: Ministry of Education NZ

Download DOCX (31 KB)

Website

Listen to what matters to whānau

Research from Tātai Aho Rau Core Education, in partnership with Rātā Foundation, outlines their aim to create effective transitions that are whānau-led. Watch the positive outcomes of this project here.

Publisher: Tātai Aho Rau Core Education

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Nurture whānau partnerships | Whanaungatanga”:

Return to the guide “Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change”

Education pathways – planning for times of change

Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change

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How to use this site

Guide to Index of the guide: Te Ara Ako – Learning pathways in times of change

Understand:

Strategies for action:

Key resources:

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This is a Ministry of Education initiative​​​​​​​. We shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

This information was downloaded/printed from the Ministry of Education's website "Inclusive Education". Except where otherwise noted it is Crown Copyright 2018.

Information on the Inclusive Education website is regularly updated so we recommend you check the website version of this information to ensure it remains current.