How can we improve outcomes for students who are referred to different learning settings?

An increasing number of students are being referred to learning settings outside their local school. Many are not getting the education provision they need, which results in poor education outcomes and, in turn, poor life outcomes. This project focuses on the education provision, pathways and outcomes of four education settings.

  • Te kura (via the Engagement and Wellbeing Gateway)
  • Alternative education
  • Activity centres
  • Residential care (for example, youth justice or care and protection)

We want to know which changes within each setting lead to better outcomes for students.

How well is ‘Phones Away for the Day’ being implemented in schools?

School boards and kura are required to ensure students do not have, or use, cellphones during the school day.

We have been asked to monitor this in our everyday school reviews and also do a national policy review to see what impact has been made since the policy was implemented from Term 2, 2024. Our findings will focus on impacts, challenges, and areas for further support.