Inclusive Practice Guidance
Created with teachers. Grounded in real practice. Supporting every ākonga.
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What is Inclusive Teaching Practice Guidance (ITPG)?
The Inclusive Teaching Practice Guidance (ITPG) is a draft resource designed to help teachers and education leaders create learning environments where every ākonga feels welcome, supported, and able to thrive.
Whether you're in early learning, primary, secondary, or initial teacher education, the ITPG offers practical ideas you can use and adapt to suit your learners and your setting.
It’s not a rulebook – it's a flexible guide to help you do what you do best - teach in ways that uplift every learner. You can dip in and out, using strategies, examples, and tools that work for you and your community.
This resource was co-created with voices from across the education sector - teachers, leaders, disabled people, Māori educators, inclusive education specialists, ITE providers, union reps (PPTA and NZEI), and Ministry of Education advisers. It reflects the rich diversity of our profession.
The ITPG:
- Connects inclusive education with high-quality teaching
- Builds on your strengths and aspirations as a professional
- Embeds the values of Whakamana, Manaakitanga, Pono, and Whanaungatanga
Why it matters
The ITPG supports you to meet the Ngā Paerewa | Standards for the Teaching Profession in ways that are practical, relevant, and grounded in inclusive values.
It builds on insights from recent ERO reports:
- Thriving at School? – Education for Disabled Learners in Schools
- A Great Start? – Education for Disabled Children in Early Childhood
These reports highlighted strong inclusive practices, especially in:
- Schools with high equity index ratings, where disabled learners and whānau felt more supported
- English-medium schools with high numbers of ākonga Māori, where inclusive cultures were deeply embedded
The ITPG celebrates these strengths and helps good practice grow across the sector.
It also responds to ERO’s key recommendations for the Teaching Council, including:
- Strengthening the focus on teaching disabled learners in ITE, induction, and mentoring
- Making inclusive practice more visible in Our Code, Our Standards
- Prioritising disability in professional learning and development (PLD)
- Ensuring accessible, high-quality resources and support are available
What you’ll find in the ITPG
- Real-life case studies and examples you can relate to
- Strategies, tools, and ideas you can use straight away
- Links to professional learning to deepen your inclusive practice
- Opportunities to connect with communities of practice
It’s all built on the Martyn Rouse Knowing, Believing, Doing model, and guided by the values of Open Heart, Open Mind, and Open Arms - encouraging empathy, reflection, and meaningful action.
Currently in trial – your feedback matters
The ITPG is being trialled in early learning services, schools, ITE programmes, and RTLB settings. Once the trial wraps up, we’ll invite teachers and leaders to share feedback to help shape the final version.
Your voice will help shape the future of inclusive education in Aotearoa.
View the full draft document
Questions? Contact IEF@teachingcouncil.nz
Open Heart
Ahakoa iti, he iti mapihi pounamu.
The Māori perception of the tamaiti is encapsulated in this whakatauāki, or proverb. It refers to the singular beauty and immense value of even the tiniest piece of fine greenstone.
Open Mind
Kei tēnā, kei tēnā, kei tēnā anō. Tōna ake āhua, tōna ake mauri, tōna ake mana.
Each and everyone has theirown uniqueness, life essence and presence.
Open Arms
Mā te huruhuru ka rere te manu.
Adorn the bird with feathers so that it may soar.
Stay connected: My Rawa
My Rawa helps you deepen your practice with tailored professional learning and reflective tools. It’s your space to grow, stay inspired, and lead with confidence.
