How we work
Before Requesting RTLB Support
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The school identifies a need for additional support.
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Often an adapted plan is developed, documented, implemented, and reviewed by the school.
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Parents/whānau are involved in the support plan.
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Schools discuss potential RTLB support with their liaison RTLB before submitting a request.
Submitting a Request for Support
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Schools submit requests via Schoolgate –
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The Request for Support Form (RSF) must be fully completed.
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A reviewed adapted learning/behaviour plan is attached.
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The parent/guardian/kaiako consent form and request for support agreement are signed and included.
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Schools can consult their liaison RTLB about requests and expected timelines.
Request Allocation Process
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The RTLB leadership team reviews all support requests.
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Requests are prioritized and placed on an initial waiting list until the next allocation hui.
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The RTLB team meets monthly to review, prioritize, and allocate cases.
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Schools receive an email notification with the assigned RTLB team member’s details.
Key Documents
He Pikorua
Hui te mārama
hei purapura ora
Working together to nurture and support the growth and wellbeing of mokopuna.
He Pikorua is the guiding framework for RTLB practice, shaping how they collaborate to build shared knowledge and professional expertise to support mokopuna wellbeing and achievement.
RTLB apply He Pikorua in their professional practice to deliver a strength-based, collaborative, and culturally responsive service. Their work is evidence-informed, focused on enhancing inclusive approaches in schools and supporting mokopuna and whānau.
RTLB have a particular focus on Māori and Pacific students, as well as children and young people transitioning into State care.
Te Tūāpapa
Learning Support Action Plan
Te Tūāpapa is a robust, evidence-informed framework that guides the identification of supports, increasing in intensity based on needs and context.
Gathering information on mokopuna strengths, needs, and progress enables collaborative decision-making.
This plan sets out priority actions that will make the most difference, to ensure that children and young people get the right support, at the right time. Also available in Te Reo Māori.
Learning Support Delivery Model
The Learning Support Delivery Model incorporates feedback from parents, whānau, staff, and disability and education groups. It includes six key elements:
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Known Contact Points – Families and whānau have a clear point of contact for learning support, ensuring faster and easier access to assistance.
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One Plan – A single, individualized plan outlines agreed goals and coordinates tailored support for each student.
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Collaboration – Schools, kura, early learning services, and kōhanga reo work together to identify needs, share resources, and provide early intervention.
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Facilitation – A Ministry-appointed facilitator brings together schools, services, and specialists to support decision-making and ensure the right people are involved.
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Flexibility – Support is adapted to local needs, working with RTLB and specialists to provide targeted, system-wide, or individual solutions.
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Data Sharing – Schools and early learning services share information to better understand and plan for student needs, ensuring privacy and security are maintained.
The Action Plan for Pacific Education
The Action Plan for Pacific Education 2020–2030 envisions diverse Pacific learners and their families feeling safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their educational aspirations.
It outlines the Government’s commitments to achieving this vision and provides guidance for early learning services, schools, and tertiary providers on driving positive change for Pacific learners and their families.
Our Code Our Standards
The Code defines the high ethical standards expected of all teachers, while the Standards outline the expectations for effective teaching practice.
NELPS & TES
The National Education and Learning Priorities (NELP) and Tertiary Education Strategy (TES) outline the Government’s priorities to support learner success and wellbeing.
Tātaiako
Tātaiako is a resource that helps teachers develop cultural competence for effectively teaching Māori learners.
Ka Hikitia
Ka Hikitia is a cross-agency strategy guiding the education sector, including the Ministry of Education, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, Education New Zealand, ERO, NZQA, the Teaching Council, TEC, and NZSTA.
Covering early learning, schooling, and tertiary education, it outlines how agencies will collaborate with education services to drive system change, support Māori learners and their whānau, hapū, and iwi, and achieve excellent and equitable outcomes.
Tapasā
The Tapasā framework integrates Pacific perspectives into effective teaching practices, guiding teachers at different stages of their journey to support key areas and transitions for Pacific learners.
Te Whare Tapa Whā
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