In Waikato, New Zealand, specialist schools play a crucial role in supporting aakonga with significant learning or physical disabilities. These schools provide tailored education programmes in a smaller, supportive environment designed to meet the unique needs of aakonga who require intensive support. Specialist schools offer a range of services, including access to specialised teaching methods, therapy services, and additional resources to help students reach their full potential.
In addition to specialist schools, some mainstream schools in Waikato have dedicated units or classrooms for aakonga requiring extra support. These units are integrated within the school but offer a more focused environment for aakonga with specific learning, behavioural, or developmental challenges. Whaanau interested in these support options can reach out to the SENCOs (Special Education Needs Coordinators) or Learning Support Coordinators at their local schools to discuss their child’s needs and explore the available services.
The collaboration between schools, families, and external agencies ensures that students receive the right support and resources to succeed, whether in a specialist or mainstream setting.
Conductive Education
Woodstock Primary School
Services: Our Conductive Education Unit caters to school-age children with ORS funding from 5 years to 12 years of age. Children have individualised education programs as well as taking part in class groups and access to mainstream learning and integration outside. As well as this children have access to SLT, OT, PT, and a Conductor.
Principal Name: Paula Wine
Phone: +64 7 855 6686
Email: principal@woodstock.school.nz or bronwynn@woodstock.school.nz
Address: 21 Woodstock Road, Hamilton 3214
Website: https://www.woodstock.school.nz/
Hamilton North School
Services: Specialist school providing tailored education programmes for students with intellectual disabilities and complex needs for ages 5-21 years. Student requires ORS funding prior to enrollment. Programmes are supported by Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists.
Principal Name: Lyrese Picard
Phone: +64 7 849 3029
Email: admin@hamnorth.school.nz
Base School Address: 7 Warwick Avenue, Te Rapa, Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
Website: https://sites.google.com/hamnorth.school.nz/hamiltonnorthschool
Specialist Satellites Classes are hosted at the following Schools:
Crawshaw Primary
Te Ao Mārama
RSHS
RJHS
Te Totora
Hillcrest High School Independent Living Centre
Year level: Year 9 to 13
Email: office@hillcrest-high.school.nz
Phone: 07 857 0297
Website: https://www.hillcrest-high.school.nz/inclusive-learning-needs/
https://sites.google.com/hillcrest-high.school.nz/hhs-course-informaton/inclusive-education-faculty/independent-living-centre-ilc
Address: 141 Masters Avenue, Silverdale, Hamilton 3216
Patricia Avenue School
Services: Specialist school offering personalised learning programmes for students with physical and intellectual disabilities for ages 5 to 21 years. Student requires ORS funding prior to enrollment. Programmes are supported by Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Therapists, Physiotherapists and Psychologists.
Principal Name: Andrea Neil
Phone: +64 7 856 9350
Email: office@patave.school.nz
Website: https://www.patave.school.nz/
Base School Address: 20 Patricia Avenue, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3210
Specialist Satellites Classes are hosted at the following Schools:
Melville Primary
Silverdale
Woodstock Primary
Marian Catholic School
Fairfield Intermediate
Cambridge Middle School
Mangakotukutuku College
TA College
Transition Unit (for 18-21-year-olds)