Keeping children in classrooms and supporting schools through fuel challenges

The Government's priority is keeping schools open, students in classrooms and continuing to raise achievement as the country navigates fuel supply challenges, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

"The lockdowns during the pandemic were incredibly damaging to student engagement. We are committed to doing everything we can to not repeat that experience for families again," Ms Stanford says.

"Schools will face a range of different challenges depending on their individual circumstances. I directed the Ministry of Education to contact every single school by the end of the week so we have a clear understanding of what those challenges are so we can respond.

"We can then tailor solutions to schools in a highly targeted way so they remain open and children are in the classroom learning. Our focus is on minimising disruption, ensuring clear and frequent communication, and providing timely, targeted, temporary support where needed.

"Specifically, I have directed officials to:

• Build a clear national picture of fuel use and operational impacts across the education system.
• Check in with the early learning sector this week to understand current awareness and preparedness and to inform planning.
• Use real-time information to identify pressures early and respond quickly where support is needed.
• Engage with suppliers to understand fuel impacts on essential services, such as school lunches, attendance services, and transport.
• Develop and stress-test plans across a range of critical services, including the school bus network and Specialised School Transport Assistance, to help maintain access to education.
• Work alongside the Rural Schools Association and wider sector groups to understand the specific challenges facing rural and remote communities.
• Closely monitor fuel availability for schools that rely on diesel boilers, noting that only a small number of schools are affected, and work directly with those schools to identify what they need to ensure sites remain appropriately heated, including through the winter period.

"I want to thank schools, parents and communities for prioritising education during a difficult time. We are seeing minimal changes to attendance at this stage and will continue to keep a close eye on this.

"There has been a strong willingness to work together, between schools, families, providers, and communities, and that collaboration is making a difference.

"Already, 56 percent of the schools contacted have started to plan or have already planned responses to any change in the fuel situation. Additionally, 58 percent have taken steps to explore how they can increase their fuel efficiency.

"I will have more to say on our response for education once we have concluded discussions with all schools. The Ministry will continue to work with wider government so that we are developing practical solutions that work for communities."