10-07-2025
TPPA Survey Reveals School Readiness Crisis In Tai Tokerau
'Over 50% of Te Tai Tokerau principals report major issues with new entrants.'
A new survey by the Tai Tokerau Principals' Association (TPPA) has revealed major concern over the readiness of five-year-olds starting school across Northland, especially in high-equity index (decile 1–3) schools.
Half of the region's principals responded to the survey, conducted late last term, highlighting key challenges:
Lack of Early Childhood Education (ECE): which has impacted on their oral language, social skills, and self-regulation.
Developmental and Behavioural Needs: Tamariki are arriving with significant delays—causing tantrums, aggression, delayed speech, and poor fine motor skills. One in three schools reports regular serious behavioural incidents from 5 year olds
Staffing Pressures: 84% of schools have had to hire extra staff —mostly unfunded. 81% of principals say there's a real need for Ministry-funded Reception Classes to help unprepared learners transition into school.
TPPA President Brendon Morrissey says schools are under increasing pressure:
'Without urgent investment, we risk burning out educators and setting tamariki up for long-term failure.'
TPPA is calling on the Ministry of Education to:
