Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has confirmed the Government will increase the number of social workers in low decile primary schools from this month.
Ms Bennett announced an extra 149 social workers for decile one to three schools during last year's election campaign.
She said today the first 50 social workers would be in schools in Northland, South Auckland and Hawkes Bay from July 16.
Extra social workers would be placed in South Island schools next year, followed by other parts of Auckland, Kaipara and the North Island.
Ms Bennett said the boost would increase the number of social workers in decile one to three schools from 285 to 673 and would cost just over $11 million a year.
