Strengthening inclusive learning in Puna Reo

A new research partnership between Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Puna Reo is set to strengthen inclusive learning in Puna Reo early childhood education settings, following the award of funding in the final round of the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative (TLRI).

In May this year, the Ministry of Education introduced four new licensed early learning service types, which included Puna Reo. Puna Reo are early childhood educationcentres where te reo Māori is the principal language of communication and instruction with mokopuna.

The one-year project, Inclusive Early Learning Support in Puna Reo, will explore how learning support can be embedded into everyday teaching in ways that are culturally grounded, sustainable and responsive to the needs of tamariki with additional learning support requirements. By centering Māori ways of knowing, being and doing, the project aims to create culturally authentic pathways for inclusion that benefit tamariki, whānau and kaiako alike.

Project lead and Senior Lecturer in Early Years Education Dr Linda Clarke says she is grateful to the TLRI for the unique opportunities it creates to bring research and teaching teams together.

“These collaborations don’t just advance research; they create meaningful change for kaiako, mokopuna and communities,” Dr Clarke says.

This project’s approach recognises kaiako expertise and positions inclusion as an integral part of high-quality early learning, rather than an add-on. Inclusive practice ensures all mokopuna, particularly those with complex learning needs, are supported to participate, belong and learn.

Together Massey University and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa Puna Reo are working towards inclusive teaching approaches that are both pedagogically effective and firmly grounded in te ao Māori, supporting all tamariki to flourish from the earliest years.