Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

Education institution number:
45608
Service type:
Education and Care Service
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
33
Telephone:
Address:

78 Kaimanawa Street, Taupo

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Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

1 ERO’s Judgements

Akarangi | Quality Evaluation evaluates the extent to which this early childhood service has the learning and organisational conditions to support equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. Te Ara Poutama Indicators of quality for early childhood education: what matters most are the basis for making judgements about the effectiveness of the service in achieving equity and excellence for all learners. Judgements are made in relation to the Outcomes Indicators, Learning and Organisational Conditions. The Evaluation Judgement Rubric derived from the indicators, is used to inform ERO’s judgements about this service’s performance in promoting equity and excellence.

ERO’s judgements for Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten are as follows:

Outcome Indicators

(What the service knows about outcomes for learners)


Whāngai Establishing

Ngā Akatoro Domains

 

Learning Conditions
Organisational Conditions

Whakaū Embedding
Whakaū Embedding

2 Context of the Service

The service is a well-established centre in suburban Taupō. The roll is ethnically diverse with almost a quarter of enrolled children identifying as Māori. Three owners are responsible for governance, and a teaching principal leads a small team of teachers. The current teaching team was established in mid-2021.

3 Summary of findings

Children experience a rich and wide-ranging curriculum that supports their exploration and learning. Teachers draw effectively from the Rudolf Steiner approach, where development happens through play and imitation in a natural environment, alongside Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. Routines are well known by children, enabling them make predictions and feel secure. Children of Māori descent experience a bicultural setting that celebrates te ao Māori through the meaningful use of waiata, te reo Māori, and tikanga Māori relevant to the local area. Children of all ages engage in self-directed learning, and benefit from their wellbeing being nurtured.

Children’s development is positively impacted by productive relationships between parents and teachers. The centre philosophy is clearly enacted, and there is a focus on connecting through frequent discussion and conversation. While elements of parents’ aspirations are evident in some assessment of children’s learning, the service has identified the need to more deeply use information to inform learning and experiences. ERO affirms this action. Individual children’s culture, language and identity are not yet consistently incorporated in assessment practices.

The governance group is taking deliberate steps to promote continued positive outcomes for children, despite significant team change and a new leadership structure. Ongoing access to relevant professional learning, and support for parents through parenting classes, benefits both children and adults. Close attention to learning conditions by teachers and leaders fosters support for children with diverse needs. Leaders are yet to ensure there is collective responsibility for internal evaluation practices that further understanding of equitable outcomes for children.

4 Improvement actions

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten will include the following actions in its Quality Improvement Planning:

  • Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the new leadership structure to support ongoing improvement for children, their parents, and teachers.

  • Develop a shared understanding of culturally responsive practice to reflect and celebrate children’s individual cultures, languages and identities through assessment practice and the curriculum.

  • Further strengthen internal evaluation processes to ensure a collective understanding of what has worked, why and for which individuals and groups of children.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten completed an ERO Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklist. In these documents they attested that they have taken all reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations related to:

  • curriculum

  • premises and facilities

  • health and safety practices

  • governance, management and administration.

During the review, ERO looked at the service’s systems for managing the following areas that have a potentially high impact on children's wellbeing:

  • emotional safety (including positive guidance and child protection)

  • physical safety (including supervision; sleep procedures; accidents; medication; hygiene; excursion policies and procedures)

  • suitable staffing (including qualification levels; safety checking; teacher registration; ratios)

  • relevant evacuation procedures and practices.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region | Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

28 November 2022 

6 About the Early Childhood Service

Early Childhood Service Name

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

Profile Number

45608

Location

Taupō

Service type

Education and care service

Number licensed for

30 children aged over 2

Percentage of qualified teachers

100%

Service roll

41

Review team on site

September 2022

Date of this report

28 November 2022

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review, July 2019; Education Review, February 2016

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten - 31/07/2019

1 Evaluation of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

How well placed is Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten is well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children.

ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.

Background

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten is located in Taupo. It is licensed for 30 tamariki over the age of two years. The current roll of 39 children includes six who identify as Māori. The kindergarten is privately owned and is governed by a board of directors. One of the four directors is the lead kaiako, and one is the manager. The kindergarten employs four qualified kaiako, three are fully registered and one is provisional. The lead kaiako also holds a Diploma in Rudolf Steiner Early Childhood Education and another is nearing completion of this qualification.

The kindergarten's guiding vision is 'Ngā tamariki, ngā rangatira mō āpōpō - Our children are our leaders of tomorrow'. The centre philosophy aims to promote an unhurried approach, providing a safe and secure environment that is homely, nurturing and sustainable.

Since the 2016 ERO review, the centre license has increased from 20 to 30 tamariki, and a fourth kaiako appointed. Upgrades to the centre facilities have been implemented, and there is an improved understanding and integration of te reo and tikanga Māori.

The Review Findings

Tamariki experience respectful and positive relationships that are highly affirming. Their interests are followed closely and children lead their own play and learning. Relationships between tamariki are supported by a strong tuākana teina approach developing a positive sense of self. Parents and whānau enjoy reciprocal relationships with the kindergarten that support their learning aspirations for their tamariki. Tamariki are encouraged to learn in a calm and nurturing environment that fosters their sense of curiosity, belonging and wellbeing. They are supported to become leaders and are seen as capable and self-managing learners.

The enactment of the Rudolf Steiner philosophy through the curriculum effectively supports a strong culture for inclusive and responsive learning. The needs of tamariki are well known and they are seen as capable and competent risk takers who can set their own challenges. They are empowered to be confident and competent learners through active exploration of the natural environment. Literacy and numeracy are well integrated and promoted through daily and seasonal rituals, rhythms and repetition. A child-led learning approach is promoted and empowers tamariki to make choices and decisions. Planning and assessment effectively capture the learning and development of tamariki. To further strengthen evaluation practices, teachers should make more explicit links to parents learning aspirations for their tamariki over time.

Success for Māori tamariki to achieve success as Māori is effectively promoted. There has been a deliberate and effective approach to embed te ao Māori consistently across the centre. Karakia and waiata are used to support tikanga Māori and te reo is visible and heard in the centre. To further strengthen this, deepening connections with local iwi should be a natural progression. All tamariki experience the unique dual heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand. Teachers should now make more visible the language, culture and identity of all tamariki.

Leaders promote a culture in which tamariki are first and foremost valued, celebrated and affirmed for who they are and what they bring to their learning. They foster communication between kaiako and are successful in building a positive team culture. Leaders are building kaiako capability through appraisal and collaborative ways of working. They continue to support kaiako by placing priority on building knowledge through external facilitation and enactment of the Rudolf Steiner way. Internal evaluation processes and systems are effective and focused on improving outcomes for children.

The board of directors provide strategic governance. The kindergarten's philosophy, vision, systems and processes are promoting positive learning outcomes for tamariki. Well-aligned strategic and annual plans guide centre development. The centre philosophy and integration of Te Whāriki guides kaiako practice through the Rudolf Steiner approach to learning.

Key Next Steps

Leaders and teachers need to further develop assessment practices to:

  • make a more explicit connection to parent aspirations for their children

  • show children's learning progress over time

  • actively promote the language, culture and identity of all tamariki to support a strong sense of self and belonging.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten completed an ERO Centre Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklist. In these documents they attested that they have taken all reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations related to:

  • curriculum
  • premises and facilities
  • health and safety practices
  • governance, management and administration.

During the review, ERO looked at the service’s systems for managing the following areas that have a potentially high impact on children's wellbeing:

  • emotional safety (including positive guidance and child protection)

  • physical safety (including supervision; sleep procedures; accidents; medication; hygiene; excursion policies and procedures)

  • suitable staffing (including qualification levels; police vetting; teacher registration; ratios)

  • evacuation procedures and practices for fire and earthquake.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.

Phil Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services

Central Region

31 July 2019

The Purpose of ERO Reports

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the government department that, as part of its work, reviews early childhood services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. ERO’s reports provide information for parents and communities about each service’s strengths and next steps for development. ERO’s bicultural evaluation framework Ngā Pou Here is described in SECTION 3 of this report. Early childhood services are partners in the review process and are expected to make use of the review findings to enhance children's wellbeing and learning.

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service

Location

Taupo

Ministry of Education profile number

45608

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

30 children, including up to 0 aged under 2

Service roll

39

Gender composition

Male 20 Female 19

Ethnic composition

Māori
NZ European/Pākehā
German
Other ethnic groups

6
23
6
4

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49% 50-79% 80%+

Based on funding rates

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Over 2

1:10

Meets minimum requirements

Review team on site

June 2019

Date of this report

31 July 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

February 2016

Education Review

October 2012

3 General Information about Early Childhood Reviews

ERO’s Evaluation Framework

ERO’s overarching question for an early childhood education review is ‘How well placed is this service to promote positive learning outcomes for children?’ ERO focuses on the following factors as described in the bicultural framework Ngā Pou Here:

Pou Whakahaere – how the service determines its vision, philosophy and direction to ensure positive outcomes for children

Pou Ārahi – how leadership is enacted to enhance positive outcomes for children

Mātauranga – whose knowledge is valued and how the curriculum is designed to achieve positive outcomes for children

Tikanga whakaako – how approaches to teaching and learning respond to diversity and support positive outcomes for children.

Within these areas ERO considers the effectiveness of arotake – self review and of whanaungatanga – partnerships with parents and whānau.

ERO evaluates how well placed a service is to sustain good practice and make ongoing improvements for the benefit of all children at the service.

A focus for the government is that all children, especially priority learners, have an opportunity to benefit from quality early childhood education. ERO will report on how well each service promotes positive outcomes for all children, with a focus on children who are Māori, Pacific, have diverse needs, and are up to the age of two.

For more information about the framework and Ngā Pou Here refer to ERO’s Approach to Review in Early Childhood Services.

ERO’s Overall Judgement

The overall judgement that ERO makes will depend on how well the service promotes positive learning outcomes for children. The categories are:

  • Very well placed

  • Well placed

  • Requires further development

  • Not well placed

ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.

Review Coverage

ERO reviews are tailored to each service’s context and performance, within the overarching review framework. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to positive outcomes for children and useful to the service.

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten - 18/02/2016

1 Evaluation of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten

How well placed is Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.

Background

Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten is located in Taupo. It is licensed for 20 children over two years of age. The kindergarten’s guiding vision is 'Ngā tamariki, ngā rangatira mo āpōpō - Our children are our leaders of tomorrow'. The centre’s Steiner philosophy is defined as offering an unhurried and calm approach to early childhood education within a natural and secure environment that is welcoming, homely and nurturing. The kindergarten enjoys strong and supportive relationships with families. Kindergarten staff value the contribution of parents and whānau and see their input as an integral part of the daily life of the centre.

At the time of the ERO review, 35 children were attending, of whom 8 identified as Māori. Since the previous ERO review the leadership and teaching staff have remained consistent, and provided certainty and stability for children and their families. Teachers continue to provide meaningful learning experiences for children and have participated in ongoing professional learning and development to enhance their teaching practice.

In response to the areas for development in the 2012 ERO report, the head teacher has engaged in professional development to strengthen her use of te reo Māori and ways to promote tikanga practices in the programme.

The Review Findings

The centre philosophy is well embedded and understood by children, parents, whānau and staff and is enacted in the daily life of the centre. Flexible routines and rhythms of the day provide children with a secure, predictable and a calm environment that effectively supports children to develop socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. There is an emphasis on promoting creativity, the natural environment, and learning through meaningful work and play.

Children experience warm, positive interactions with each other and teachers. They are empowered to take responsibility for their own learning and well being. Opportunities are promoted for problem solving and exploration, and engagement in sustained, self-initiated play. Children have access to equipment and natural resources that they use in creative and interesting ways to extend their learning.

Teachers are highly skilled in engaging children in rich conversations and maximising learning opportunities. They model meaningful activities such as cooking, baking, gardening, and caring for animals. These activities are consistent with the Steiner philosophy of children learning through imitation and repetition.

Parents are actively involved in the life of the kindergarten. They appreciate the quality learning experiences their children receive and are very supportive of the work of the staff. They are kept informed through a range of forums and receive good information about their child’s learning and development.

Four Seasons Rudolph Steiner Kindergarten continues to provide strong governance and leadership. The directors have well-established systems for day-to-day management and operations. They have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities and bring a range of relevant skills and expertise. Self-review practices have contributed to improved outcomes for children and the ongoing development and sustainability of the kindergarten.

Directors have a clear focus on, and commitment to, supporting teachers to grow their practice to further enhance outcomes for children. The head teacher is an effective professional leader and teacher and a positive role model and mentor for teachers and parents.

Key Next Steps

Centre leaders agree that the next step is to support all teachers to confidently integrate te reo and tikanga Māori practices into the learning programme. Teachers need to continue to explore ways to embed Ngā Tātaiako into the staff appraisal process.

As part of ongoing centre self review, consideration should be given to regular review of the Rudolf Steiner philosophy to further promote and extend positive outcomes for children.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten completed an ERO Centre Assurance Statement and Self-Audit Checklist. In these documents they attested that they have taken all reasonable steps to meet their legal obligations related to:

  • curriculum
  • premises and facilities
  • health and safety practices
  • governance, management and administration.

During the review, ERO looked at the service’s systems for managing the following areas that have a potentially high impact on children's wellbeing:

  • emotional safety (including positive guidance and child protection)
  • physical safety (including supervision; sleep procedures; accidents; medication; hygiene; excursion policies and procedures)
  • suitable staffing (including qualification levels; police vetting; teacher registration; ratios)
  • evacuation procedures and practices for fire and earthquake.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.

Next ERO Review

When is ERO likely to review the service again?

The next ERO review of Four Seasons Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten will be in three years.

Lynda Pura-Watson

Deputy Chief Review Officer

18 February 2016

The Purpose of ERO Reports

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the government department that, as part of its work, reviews early childhood services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. ERO’s reports provide information for parents and communities about each service’s strengths and next steps for development. ERO’s bicultural evaluation framework Ngā Pou Here is described in SECTION 3 of this report. Early childhood services are partners in the review process and are expected to make use of the review findings to enhance children's wellbeing and learning.

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service

Location

Taupo

Ministry of Education profile number

45608

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

20 children, including up to 0 aged under 2

Service roll

35

Gender composition

Girls 18 Boys 17

Ethnic composition

Pākehā

Māori

South East Asian

Other European

24

8

1

2

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49% 50-79% 80%+

Based on funding rates

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Over 2

1:10

Meets minimum requirements

Review team on site

December 2015

Date of this report

18 February 2016

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

October 2012

3 General Information about Early Childhood Reviews

ERO’s Evaluation Framework

ERO’s overarching question for an early childhood education review is ‘How well placed is this service to promote positive learning outcomes for children?’ ERO focuses on the following factors as described in the bicultural framework Ngā Pou Here:

Pou Whakahaere – how the service determines its vision, philosophy and direction to ensure positive outcomes for children

Pou Ārahi – how leadership is enacted to enhance positive outcomes for children

Mātauranga – whose knowledge is valued and how the curriculum is designed to achieve positive outcomes for children

Tikanga whakaako – how approaches to teaching and learning respond to diversity and support positive outcomes for children.

Within these areas ERO considers the effectiveness of arotake – self review and of whanaungatanga – partnerships with parents and whānau.

ERO evaluates how well placed a service is to sustain good practice and make ongoing improvements for the benefit of all children at the service.

A focus for the government is that all children, especially priority learners, have an opportunity to benefit from quality early childhood education. ERO will report on how well each service promotes positive outcomes for all children, with a focus on children who are Māori, Pacific, have diverse needs, and are up to the age of two.

For more information about the framework and Ngā Pou Here refer to ERO’s Approach to Review in Early Childhood Services.

ERO’s Overall Judgement and Next Review

The overall judgement that ERO makes and the timing of the next review will depend on how well placed a service is to promote positive learning outcomes for children. The categories are:

  • Very well placed – The next ERO review in four years
  • Well placed – The next ERO review in three years
  • Requires further development – The next ERO review within two years
  • Not well placed - The next ERO review in consultation with the Ministry of Education

ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.

Review Coverage

ERO reviews are tailored to each service’s context and performance, within the overarching review framework. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to positive outcomes for children and useful to the service.