The Highest Needs Review was undertaken by the Ministry of Education from 2021-2022. Its purpose is to ensure that children and young people with the highest needs for learning support achieve their full potential through positive education outcomes and that they receive the right support, when they need it, and for as long as they need it.
NZCER was commissioned by the Ministry of Education to analyse stakeholder submissions to this Review. The report below summarises these 1093 submissions across the main themes of the Highest Needs Review, and the different groups of stakeholders, including those with lived experience.
The Highest Needs Review aims to give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Ka Hikitia—Ka Hāpaitia (the Māori Education Strategy), alongside commitments to Pacific learners and families as outlined in the Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020–2030. This Review is guided by the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Options and recommendations from the Review will work towards achieving the vision of the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016–2026 and upholding the principles within the Enabling Good Lives approach. These are:
- Beginning early
- Self-determination
- Person-centred
- Ordinary life outcomes
- Mainstream first
- Mana-enhancing.