Empowering diverse learners and transforming lives 

General award winner: Achieving diversity and inclusion for improving outcomes for: Māori learners; Pacific learners; neurodiverse learners; and/or learners with disabilities

CEO and Tumuaki, Industry Training Solutions Ltd

“Poppy champions an inclusive and neurodivergent-affirming approach to education, anchored in the principles of Manaakitanga Māori, emphasizing community and collective responsibility.” 

Poppy Clapperton boasts a rich 23-year engagement in vocational training, steering Industry Training Solutions (ITS) as its CEO and tumuaki. Seeing shortcomings in the vocational education landscape, particularly in its navigation of the diverse needs of Māori, Pasifika, neurodivergent, and disabled ākonga, she developed her brainchild ITS, a response to the pressing need for an innovative support mechanism tailored to the unique needs of learners and their whānau.  

At the heart of her ethos lie three guiding principles; prioritising student success, perpetually refining ITS's pedagogical approach, and empowering learners to “step aside from their own way” and seize life's opportunities.  

ITS’s courses are meticulously tailored to meet industry compliance standards, and cater to a wide array of stakeholders the length & breadth of the motu, including schools, iwi, community groups, and regional employment initiatives. Poppy's team has travelled to locations like Wairoa, Ruatoria, and Hick's Bay, extending rural educational opportunities, even in the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.  

Interestingly, ITS has also offered the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living (NZCSL) for Supported Learners (Level 1) since 2021 in the All-Sorts Centre & Café (Poppy & her husband David’s personal passion project) – a multifaceted hub promoting holistic learning and whānau and community engagement. Recipient of the Inclusive Business Award at the Manawatū Business Awards in 2022, it is currently serving its fourth cohort of learners. This certificate aligns with the now-approved New Zealand Certificate in Foundation Skills (Level 1). 

The All-Sorts Centre differs from business-as-usual educational settings – it is a café and community gathering place that allows the student to safely transition from school or home into community life. It is a place where not only the neurodiverse or disabled student can integrate with the local community, but the community can integrate with the ākonga. It is more than just an educational facility. It embodies a paradigm shift towards inclusive education and community integration.  

Poppy champions an inclusive and neurodivergent-affirming approach to education, anchored in the principles of Manaakitanga Māori, emphasising community and collective responsibility in all her ITS courses and programmes.  

This is most visible in the NZCSL course, in particular, where ākonga are hands-on in all aspects of production and business based around the café and centre, coupled with the ITS simulated workplace environment Seaside Sally’s. They develop business and marketing plans and are involved in production of goods and services for the local markets, as well as the café and shop. This approach allows the student to learn, prepare, then “do”. It entails involvement right through to endsale, including cash handling and budgeting, as well as soft skills like problem solving, stress management, personal presentation, and work behaviours.

Central to Poppy's success is her ability to adapt and innovate in response to individual learner needs. In 2024, after several of the NZCSL cohort exhibited a real interest in trains and locomotion, she added to her “real-world”, imaginative environment of Seaside Sally’s by incorporating train tracks in the fictitious island of ‘St de Pier’, elevating learning for all. Employment workshops further equip her NZCSL learners with the tools and confidence to navigate the job market. 

Poppy's pedagogical approach revolves around fostering holistic growth, incorporating emotional, behavioural, and cognitive development alongside initiative, curiosity, and creativity – a philosophy deeply rooted in Te Ao Māori principles.  

Experiential learning forms the cornerstone of the NZCSL programme and ITS courses in general, accommodating diverse learning styles and empowering students to discover their potential. Poppy ensures that each student's journey is meaningful and fulfilling, with their journal serving as a tool for self-discovery and growth. The NZCSL students have accessible and inclusive editorial control over their own journal (completed within their time as well as classroom lessons), populating it with celebrations and successes, pain points and troubles.  

Poppy takes pride in having well written (and peer-reviewed) lesson plans, so that every tutor and colleague follows her “recipe”.  Every learning segment is followed with a summative element, such as an activity, brainstorm, or another interactive exercise, allowing the tutor to see that the teaching and learning has been understood.  

In essence, her educational philosophy transcends traditional paradigms, fostering a learning environment where every person can thrive and grow to their fullest potential. This empowers neuro-divergent and/or disabled ākonga to become even more active participants in their communities. An illustration of this is Sarah, who went from relying on support to thriving independently through being employed at a local restaurant. From never holding down a job and requiring help in the home, she is now working and doing her own cleaning and cooking.

Poppy is fully involved in the community and with schools, businesses, and centres of learning in the region. She opens All-Sorts to the whole community, from the Department of Corrections to huis hosted by MSD, to colleges using the All-Sorts Centre for their Special Needs Units, to Pop-in-and-Learn sessions running weekly in the café (puzzle groups, coffee groups, and targeted learning for others who otherwise have no place to go or to feel safe).  

Poppy collaborates with whānau, employers and sector organizations from the early stages, preparing each cohort’s transition into the NZCSL course and ensuring learners not only succeed in future employment, but also in life. The Improving Transition for Learners with Disabilities Focus Group in the Manawatu initiated by the Ministry of Education is an example of this collaboration. Her partnerships extend to local chambers of commerce and educational institutions, where ITS actively engages with Special Needs Units in schools and colleges to create inclusive learning environments. Knowledge-sharing with Connectors, Co-ordinators, and other employees at different disability and community organisations helps to foster seamless transitions for learners into and beyond the NZCSL. 

“At the core of Poppy's educational philosophy lies a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education to enrich all lives, particularly those affected by neurodivergence and disability. Her vision extends beyond academic achievement to encompass holistic well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.” (Nominator).