8. Students with Special Needs—SupportCHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of EducationStudents with Special Needs—Support8. CHRIS HIPKINS (Labour—Rimutaka) to the Minister of Education: Is she satisfied that after nine years of a National-led Government all children and young people are receiving all the support that they need to succeed in education?Hon LOUISE UPSTON (Associate Minister of Education) on behalf of the Minister of Education: I am satisfied that this National-led Government has made a significant improvement in the education of our children and young people. This financial year our investment in education amounts to $11 billion the highest ever investment in public education. Also under this Government there are nearly 97 percent of children attending early childhood education and approximately 85 percent of 18-year-olds now have NCEA level 2. However we recognise that we could always do more to improve and that is why we have undertaken a significant work programme to ensure that not only is there more funding provided but that we are also ensuring this funding is going to the right child at the right time to make the biggest difference. Chris Hipkins: Why did this year's Budget reduce the forecast for ongoing resourcing (ORS) funding—the additional support provided to children with the highest needs—by 50 student places given that over 500 applications for the funding are being declined each year? Hon LOUISE UPSTON: This Government's focus on learning support has increased by over 30 percent since 2008. Budget 2017 provided an additional $63.3 million over the next 4 years to support students with additional learning needs. This includes $15 million to extend teacher-aide support to an extra 625 students per year and this investment fulfils the Government's commitment to roll out in-class support to over 4000 students. Chris Hipkins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. The question that I asked was specifically about ORS funding and why the Government had reduced the forecast for ORS funding.Mr SPEAKER: I listened very carefully and the Minister then went on to say that they had actually given additional money toward students with additional needs. I think that addresses the question. If it does not address it to the satisfaction of the member I suggest he moves forward with further supplementary questions. Chris Hipkins: Why did the Government reduce the forecast funding for ORS funding by 50 student places when over 500 applications for that funding are being declined each year? Hon LOUISE UPSTON: As I have said we are increasing our support for children who have learning challenges. I said in my primary question that we are committed to ensuring that funding goes to the right children at the right time to support their learning. Chris Hipkins: Why is she satisfied that all children are receiving the support that they need after 9 years of National Government when 115 applications for the intensive wraparound service for students with the most complex needs were declined because the service was at capacity? Hon LOUISE UPSTON: As I said in my primary answer we are constantly looking at ways to improve to make sure that we are reaching the students who do have challenges and do have needs. This Government is investing more than ever before in education and we are getting results for our children. Does that mean there are greater opportunities to support individual children in need? That is why we have got a significant work programme ahead of us. Chris Hipkins: Why has the Government reduced the number of education support workers employed by the Ministry of Education—those who work with the youngest and most vulnerable—by more than half between 2008 and 2015 from 275 to just 134? Hon LOUISE UPSTON: I am not sure that the figures that the member states are correct. On top of schools' operations grants we are actually allocating more in teacher-aide support than ever before. Budget 2017 includes $15.5 million to extend teacher-aide support as I said before to another 625 more students. Chris Hipkins: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. I think the Minister may have misheard my question. I was not asking about teacher-aides who work in schools. I was asking specifically about education support workers employed by the Minister of Education. Mr SPEAKER: I agree on this occasion so the member can re-ask the question. Chris Hipkins: Why has the Government reduced the number of education support workers employed by the Ministry of Education—those who work with the youngest and most vulnerable—by more than half between 2008 and 2015 from 275 to just 134?Hon LOUISE UPSTON: That is a very detailed question. Given the broad primary question I would suggest that member put it down in writing.