Supporting Taranaki’s Neurodiverse Learners

“We know through our mahi here at The Head Office, that ‘gifted’ fails to really reflect what it means to be a gifted learner,” said Kim Gillanders, CEO.
“Our community celebrates exceptional minds. They are big thinkers, curious learners, problem solvers, creative with strong interests. They are also sensitive, complex learners and have a learning style that can look different.
“These differences are needed in our world. Just as the biodiversity of the forest is nurtured and championed as a need in our world, so we nurture and champion the neurodiversity of the incredible learners with whom we get the pleasure to work.”

Kim says the weekly strengths-based programmes focus strongly on the emotional, social and learning needs of neurodiverse students, providing a space where they feel they have found like-minded peers.
“We recognise the importance of being surrounded by other learners who think the same way and have shared deep interests. Each of our classes can represent up to nine schools from around our region, meaning that our learners can make connections with people they would not usually have the opportunity to work alongside.”

Toi Foundation’s continued support helps run seven classes a week for 125 students, with more on the waiting list.
Feedback from families and students shows that spending a day each week at The Head Office or Project D strengthens students’ attendance back at their mainstream schools, as their confidence and understanding of themselves as learners grows.
Kim says their work ripples far beyond the students attending The Head Office programmes.
“Through the funding from Toi, we are able to have a reaching impact throughout Taranaki through parent information evenings, support in schools, hosting many visits to our classrooms and professional development opportunities with educators throughout the Taranaki region.
“We couldn’t be more grateful to Toi Foundation for the support they’ve shown us and their belief in the work that we do.”