How new PLD opportunities are strengthening learning support

Learning support coordinators (LSCs) play a vital role in helping schools create inclusive environments where all learners can thrive.

By 2028, all state and state-integrated schools and kura with learners in Years 1 to 8 will have access to an LSC. As part of this rollout, 474 schools have received an LSC allocation in 2026.

To support significant growth in this workforce over the next three years and promote consistent practice, the Ministry of Education has developed a suite of professional learning and development (PLD) opportunities for LSCs.

While designed specifically for LSCs, these opportunities are open and will benefit anyone working in learning support.

A tailored PLD pathway for LSCs

Rachael Vink, general manager of system design and practice at the Ministry, says their role is to drive nationally consistent access and experience of learning support across the motu.

“Our key enabler for promoting consistent practice is the PLD we provide to LSCs. Our learning pathway recognises the complexity of the role and reflects the dynamic environment LSCs work in every day.”

Designed to be flexible and practical, the PLD pathway helps LSCs to:

• build confidence in their role
• strengthen inclusive systems and practices
• support teachers and school teams to respond effectively to diverse learner needs
• improve outcomes for learners and whānau
• contribute to more consistent learning support across Aotearoa New Zealand.

The content is highly relevant for school leaders supporting LSC practice, as well as other learning to support kaimahi.

Building strong foundations

Whether you’re new to being an LSC, returning or have been working in the role for some years, LSC Induction is a great place to start as it sets the foundation for success in the role.

Over three courses, Induction focuses on the core knowledge, skills and professional understanding needed to perform the role effectively and consistently.

Establishing Professional Identity and Purpose introduces the LSC role, explores responsibilities, key skills, support systems and the professional values and ethical practices that underpin effective learning support.

Foundations for Inclusive Practice examines the legal and policy context for learning support, cultural responsiveness and the importance of developing strong networks, systems and schoolwide frameworks that foster inclusion.

Embedding Practice and Leading Change explores ethical use of data and information systems, privacy best practice and the skills to champion inclusive
practice, consolidate learning and plan future professional growth.

Each course includes three modules (approximately 30 to 45 minutes per module) and involves practical activities, reflection prompts and tools to apply learning in your school context.

New in term 3 – Role Essentials

The latest PLD offering is called Role Essentials, and it’s an interactive, practical course focused on building skills and tools LSCs can use immediately.

“Learning support is a team sport and when you’re really clear about the role you play in the team, it helps others understand their role as well,” says Rachael.

In Role Essentials, learners see the skill being demonstrated in a realistic context, then have opportunities to apply their thinking, reflect on their approach and explore how they would respond.

This shifts the learning from understanding what an LSC does to building confidence in how an LSC does it.

The interactive modules cover:

• early identification and support – recognising patterns, using tools and initiating support pathways
• planning and learner supports – designing and reviewing support strategies with teachers and whānau
• building capability and helping others grow – coaching and strengthening teacher confidence and practice.

Throughout Role Essentials, LSCs can practise thinking through real situations in a safe environment and build confidence before they encounter those situations in real life.

Modules are short, with each topic split into micro moments that could be completed alongside a cup of coffee, on any device.

The full programme can be completed in under six hours.

Strengthening Learning Support Together: LSC Conference 2026

More than 1,000 educators joined the inaugural LSC Conference, creating a valuable opportunity for LSCs from across the country to hear from keynote speakers, attend workshops and share their experiences of the role, including how they are feeling and the ways they are connecting and collaborating within their existing networks.

The conference reflected a sector-wide shift towards a more connected and nationally consistent approach to learning support.

Expert speakers offered practical strategies, evidence-informed insights and inspiration for attending LSCs, SENCOs, RTLBs and school leaders.

Recordings and resources from these sessions are available, providing valuable opportunities for ongoing learning and reflection.

“Each presenter at the conference added a little more to my understanding about the role and tools that will help LSCs to be efficient in their roles,” said one attendee.

What’s next?

Looking ahead, additional PLD will be rolled out from early 2027 to support LSCs to build knowledge over time, based on their role and priorities.

This will be tailored to different levels of experience and cover a range of subject matter areas (SMAs) including:

• Stakeholders and Engagement
• Leadership, Coaching and Influence
• Bicultural Learning Support Practice
• Specialist Learning Areas, such as Trauma Informed Practice, Speech, Language and Communication
• Needs or Specific Learning Disorders (Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia).

“At its core, the LSC role is about nurturing the ākonga we’re all here to serve,” says Rachael. “The programme of PLD is designed to nurture LSCs so they can help our learners thrive.”

Where to find the LSC PLD

LSC Induction and Role Essentials are available to anyone with an Education Sector Login (ESL) through the Ministry’s Education Learning Management System (LMS).

The learning support coordinators in schools page includes detailed LSC information including the role description and skills matrix, as well as details about practice area PLD.

Find out more on the Ministry of Education website.

Professional learning and development for LSCs – Ministry of Education

Deepening practice through specialist learning

LSCs can also access specialist professional learning to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity and learner support.

Places are currently available in Tilting the Seesaw for LSCs (Autism New Zealand) and Kete into Practice (FASD-CAN), with both programmes taking strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approaches.

These opportunities are available exclusively to LSCs until the end of 2026.

More information is under the PLD section of the learning support coordinators in schools webpage.

Learning support coordinators in schools – Ministry of Education