Profile image Wananga Landing Wananga Landing

Specialist Schools FAQs

16 April 2026

Answers to the frequently asked questions about BSLA's Specialist Schools PLD.

HOW TO APPLY
What is the Specialist Schools PLD?

A tailored PLD stream for educators supporting learners with high and complex learning needs.

 

Who is eligible?
  • Teachers working in specialist classes and/or units in mainstream schools

  • Teachers providing 0.1 or 0.2 ORS specialist teaching 

  • SENCOs or LSCs providing system-level support to students with high and complex needs

  • Teachers in specialist schools (Cohort 4)

Places are limited and if oversubscribed, the Ministry will instigate a prioritisation process based on school needs.

 

How is it delivered? 

Two days of workshops (online or in-person, at chosen locations throughout New Zealand), 9 x online Communities of Practice, and online self-directed learning modules.

 

What support is provided?

Online learning modules, student assessments, example lesson plans, teaching resources, video teaching exemplars and access to the BSLA assessment site, all targeted for students with complex communication and learning needs.

 

How do I enrol? 

Please register here

 

Who do I contact at BSLA if I have questions?
 

askBSLA@canterbury.ac.nz