Schools To Receive Funding For Structured Literacy Resources

• Schools will receive between $500 and $5000 to support structured literacy resource purchases.
• The funding will go towards decodable books, games, and additional resources for schools.
• A phonics check will be trialled and rolled out nationwide to support early literacy.

The government has announced funding to assist schools in preparing for the mandated structured literacy curriculum. From October, schools catering to years 0-3 will receive grants between $500 and $5000 over the next four years, depending on the size of their student roll.

This funding is aimed at helping schools purchase structured literacy resources, such as decodable books and games. These will be in addition to the free resources already provided by the Ministry of Education.

Schools with up to 50 students will receive $500, those with up to 100 students will get $965, schools with up to 250 students will receive $2411, and schools with up to 527 students will be allocated $5083.

Minister for Education Erica Stanford announced that 80 schools are set to trial a phonics check, which is scheduled for nationwide implementation early next year. The phonics check will be conducted after 20 weeks of schooling and again at the 40-week mark.

"It will help teachers and parents understand a child's reading ability and wrap around additional support if needed," Stanford explained.

Additionally, a specialised tool will be developed to make the phonics check available in te reo Māori. The aim is to ensure that every child’s literacy progress is closely monitored during their first year of schooling.

Stanford stressed the importance of this initiative, noting, "From the first time children step into the classroom, we're equipping them and teachers with the tools they need to be brilliant in literacy."