Part 1.2 - High-Level Objectives of the Vote
The Ministry will focus on implementing a set of specific policies and programmes to deliver on key education outcomes determined by the Government. Those related to Vote Education are:
- Increased and sustained participation in high-quality early childhood education.
Children need the opportunity to participate in high-quality early childhood education. A focus on increasing participation in target geographical areas and among groups with traditionally low participation rates will be complemented by a drive to lift early childhood education quality and improve funding and information systems.
- Early achievement of core skills.
Literacy and numeracy are foundation skills that all children need in order to engage and achieve in education. The focus will be on ensuring that all learners gain these critical skills and achieve expected literacy and numeracy standards.
- Attainment of useful qualifications.
A useful qualification is the platform upon which young people base their next steps into employment, training or higher-level education. Increasing the number of young people leaving school with National Certificate of Educational Achievement Level 2 or an equivalent qualification is critical to New Zealand's economic growth.
The departmental appropriations are focused primarily on strategic leadership of the sector and education system, management of the school sector property portfolio, support and resources for education providers, teachers and communities and interventions for target student groups. Non-departmental funding is primarily used for early childhood education, primary and secondary schooling, school transport and professional development.
The table below shows how the Government priorities, education outcomes and the appropriations interconnect. Only the appropriations most significant in terms of expenditure, or impact, on each priority are listed.
Government Priorities and Outcomes - Links to Appropriations
| Government Priorities | Government Outcomes | Appropriations |
|---|---|---|
| Economic growth that delivers greater prosperity, security and opportunities for New Zealanders. Developing the skills to enable citizens to reach their full potential and contribute to the economy and society. Providing better public services by improving educational achievement, getting disengaged young people back on track and improving the lives of vulnerable children. | Increased and sustained participation in high-quality early childhood education | DepartmentalInterventions for Target Student GroupsPolicy Advice Strategic Leadership in the Sector Support and Resources for Education Providers Support and Resources for Teachers Support and Resources for the Community Non-DepartmentalEarly Childhood EducationSupport for Early Childhood Education Providers |
| Early achievement of core skills | DepartmentalInterventions for Target Student GroupsPolicy Advice School Property Portfolio Management Strategic Leadership in the Sector Support and Resources for Education Providers Support and Resources for Teachers Support and Resources for the Community Non-DepartmentalCurriculum SupportPrimary Education Professional Development and Support | |
| Attainment of useful qualifications | DepartmentalInterventions for Target Student GroupsPolicy Advice School Property Portfolio Management Strategic Leadership in the Sector Support and Resources for Education Providers Support and Resources for Teachers Support and Resources for the Community Non-DepartmentalProfessional Development and SupportSchooling Improvement Secondary Education |
