- Hon Erica Stanford
More young children with high and complex developmental needs will receive earlier, tailored support to help them learn, grow, and thrive, Education Minister Erica Stanford announced today.
The announcement was made during a visit to The Pudney Hub in Hawke’s Bay, one of the newly appointed providers for the expanded Early Intervention Specialist Service (EISS).
From September, alternate providers will deliver up to 1,000 EISS placements nationwide at any one time, giving more families access to specialist help when it can make the greatest difference. The Ministry of Education will continue to be the primary provider of Early Intervention services across New Zealand.
The additional provider capacity will give eligible children and their whānau greater choice in who delivers their support, while helping more children start receiving specialist services earlier in their learning journey.
“Every child deserves the chance to build confidence, develop their strengths, and experience success from the earliest years of learning,” Ms Stanford says.
“This expansion means more children with high and complex developmental needs will receive the right support earlier, helping them take part, make progress, and flourish in education and in life.”
EISS is a Ministry of Education-funded service that provides tailored specialist support for young children with high and complex developmental needs. Services are delivered through a mixed-market model involving both the Ministry’s Early Intervention Service and alternate providers, supporting families to access help that meets their child’s needs.
The expansion is part of the Government’s multi-year Budget 2025 investment in learning support, the largest boost in a generation. It is focused on identifying needs earlier, meeting growing demand, and giving learners the support they need to achieve their potential.
“This Government is committed to making sure every child has the backing they need to succeed,” Ms Stanford says.
“By increasing both the number of placements and the number of providers delivering services, we are strengthening the learning support system and helping more families get support sooner.”
“This investment is about reducing wait times, giving families more choice, and helping more children participate, progress, and achieve alongside their peers.”
“These are practical changes that will make a real difference for children and whānau, strengthening learning support services and helping every child reach their full potential.”
