School-based help

Two low-decile schools spoken to by Hawke's Bay Today have social workers based on site, helping children and their families.

Bev Blake of Flaxmere Primary School said the school had a social worker in place so when a child was identified as needing help she worked with them and their family.

"We also have health nurses from Te Tawwhenua working here and they are monitoring children as well," she said.

Peterhead School principal Martin Genet said his school worked with every agency.

"We're quite fortunate that we have help," he said.

"We've identified a few families (needing help) but generally if they are having problems parents come to the school and we help get through things.

"It's a very small percentage of our parents and they know they can come here to discuss things they might not have money for."