The Finery launched its Little Learners Trust after hearing from local schools how the cost of obtaining diagnostic assessments was prohibiting some families from getting help.
Now, grants are available across Central Otago aimed at enabling all young students to reach their potential, and an upcoming "dress to impress" gala evening will add to the kitty.
The Finery general manager Alyse Burrows said an assessment alone to pinpoint dyslexia or ADHD could cost a family thousands.
"Parents avoid getting their children assessed ... but without that assessment they might not be getting the support they need in class or that extra trade support or tutoring."
Even with an assessment, government-funded assistance might not follow, she said.
"That’s something we’re willing to help with as well."
Alexandra Primary School principal Fiona Mackley said families and educators were finding a diagnosis was a good tool for aiding classroom success.
"Often there are valuable recommendations that come with diagnostic assessments that allow schools and families to plan support more specific to the needs of each learner."
However, the expense of those private assessments landed on the families, she said.
"Unfortunately schools are not funded to assist with the cost of these assessments. There are often long waiting times through the public system and having assessments completed privately is a lot faster."
She said contributions from the Little Learners Trust were making those private assessments more accessible financially.
From the get-go the team at The Finery, owned by Ms Burrow’s parents Rory and Karen McLellan, wanted the hospitality venue to give back to the community in some way.
Landing on the Little Learners Trust was a good fit for Ms Burrows, a former primary school teacher.
"One of the biggest disappointments in the education system for me was the fact I had about four high-needs kids in my last class, and just about every day I was hitting my head against the wall trying to meet their needs and provide them extra support while also teaching the others," she said.
"So when I came on board with The Finery, doing something for children was always at the back of my mind ... and making a difference for teachers that are in the thick of it."
The trust’s Winter Charity Gala is on Saturday, August 2, starting 7pm, at The Finery. Tickets cost $50 and are available on the eatery’s website.
