If the NZ government wants to improve student outcomes, it needs to invest more in school-based healthcare

Sarah Williams and Leon Benade

By Sarah Williams and Leon Benade
Community contribution / July 9, 2024

New Zealand’s school achievement is currently front and centre with the Government’s plans to invest NZ$67 million into structured literacy. But what has been largely missing from the discussion on education is the impact health can have on learning and academic achievement.

The school nursing service in primary schools has diminished over time, is fragmented and lacks direction.

In New Zealand and elsewhere, increasing numbers of children are entering schools with specific health needs. And school staff, trained ...

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