Skip to main content
Ministry of Education New Zealand

Inclusive play and learning

Mokopuna | children are developing their social-emotional and communication skills. Kaiako | teachers at their early learning service or Kōhanga Reo support them with these skills.

Focus on wellbeing and emotional learning is part of the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki and Te Whāriki a Te Kōhanga Reo.

When children need extra support

Sometimes children need additional support with their social-emotional and communication learning. Kaiako understand how children learn and know all the children in their setting well. They know when and how to give extra support if it is needed.

What to do if you have concerns

If your child attends an early learning service or Te Kōhanga Reo be able to reassure you or adjust the teaching approach.

Sometimes adjustments will involve additional support for your child's teaching team. If a more intensive approach is needed, your early learning service may arrange for your child to get more targeted support. Either you or the kaiako can request support from our learning support team. You can also talk to your doctor or Whānau Āwhina Plunket.

What to do if you are worried about your child's learning

If your child has been asked to leave an early learning service

All children have a right to feel included and welcomed into their early learning service. If you have talked to the kaiako and still have concerns, you can contact us.

We will work with you to identify the issue and find solutions.

Regional offices