United Future Policies
	Opportunities For Young New Zealanders
	New Zealanders need to be assured that the benefits of early childhood education are not lost but rather consolidated as our children progress through the education system. United Future recognises that parental commitment is a fundamental component of a school’s success. Quality education is the underlying core principle of our education policy. We will ensure that schools fulfil their ‘open for instruction’ requirements. United Future will encourage, nurture and embrace excellence while recognising the special and ongoing needs of educational users.
		Establish a national, centralised database to track student enrolment and attendance.
		Increased resources for years 0, 1, and 2 in primary schools for reading, writing and arithmetic.
		Extended the Te Whaariki curriculum to years 0, 1 and 2 to ease transition from pre school to primary school.
		Expand the current vision and hearing tests in schools to include years 1, 3, 5 and 7.
		Initiate a fully funded school milk and apple-a-day programme to cater for some of the nutritional needs of our children.
		Increased funding for information technology and communication so that schools are empowered locally yet informed globally.
		Ensure children with special needs, gifts and disabilities are supported with high quality interventions and resources.
		Resource ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programmes better so that immigrants can participate fully in education as soon as possible after their arrival.
		Expand Kura Kaupapa Maori immersion programmes and the initiation of children into Maori culture, including Te Reo Maori, where requested by parents.
		Greater recognition of parental choice through increased support for independent schools.
		Abolish school zoning to allow parents and children freedom of choice for their educational needs.
		Increase funding for current study support centres in schools, for after school supervision and homework support and examine ways in which this support might be extended to other groups.
		Fund youth clinics in Secondary Schools to offer advice and guidence on planning, to achieve their educational and life goals, including careers information, health, lifestyle and budgeting advice.
		Encourage the use of school facilities outside school time for parental education centres.
		Encourage safety on the roads by instituting driver education programmes in schools.
		Implement a comprehensive education strategy relating to all aspects of the use and misuse of drugs in contemporary society.
		Oppose the decriminalisation of cannabis due to the significant health risks and the massive social costs it imposes.