15 Te Anau Place, Glenview, Hamilton
View on mapNot well placed | Requires further development | Well placed | Very well placed |
ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.
Glenview Kindergarten, formerly known as Shirley Muir Kindergarten, is one of 29 kindergartens located in the Waikato that operate under the Waikato Kindergarten Association (WKA). It is located in the Hamilton suburb of Glenview and licenced for 40 children from two years old to school age. The kindergarten offers both full-day and sessional education and care in mixed-age groups, and provides 20 free hours for children from two years old. All teachers are qualified and registered teachers. At the time of this review there were 52 children on the roll, of whom eight identify as Māori and four have Pacific heritages.
Since the 2014 ERO review, the head teacher has remained in her position and there have been changes to the teaching team. Teachers have engaged in professional development to improve assessment, bicultural practices and internal evaluation processes. There have been ongoing improvements to the indoor and outdoor play areas.
Glenview Kindergarten's philosophy is to 'offer an inviting, respectful, happy atmosphere where everyone is welcome'. There are emphases on valuing what children bring to their learning and play, and continuing to establish bicultural practices.
The kindergarten operates under the umbrella of the WKA, which is a charitable trust, and does not operate for profit. The strategic direction of the Association is guided by the overarching statement, ‘Every child reaching their full potential’. The WKA has a commitment to providing quality, inclusive services that effectively meet the diverse educational needs of all children attending. All kindergartens in Waikato Kindergarten Association are involved in sustainable programmes promoting the care of people and environment, such as Enviroschools, Sport Waikato Under 5 Energise and a ‘Cool for School’ transition programme. A kaumātua from Tainui provides advice, guidance and support to the organisation. The kindergartens’ education, operational and administrative responsibilities are well supported by association specialist personnel.
This review was part of a cluster of six kindergartens in the Waikato Kindergarten Association.
Children benefit from, responsive, reciprocal interactions in which their routines and individual preferences are respected. They enjoy learning and having fun with each other and with teachers. A positive feature of the daily programme is an emphasis on tuakana teina relationships between age groups. Younger children are readily included in the social play of their older friends. Te reo and tikanga Māori, including waiata, karakia and legends, are increasingly integrated in play and conversation. Together children play and learn in a calm, inclusive, settled atmosphere that supports them to become confident, competent learners.
Teachers effectively tune into children’s recognised interests and play to ensure that their learning is extended and enjoyable. They encourage the development of oral language and conversation skills. Literacy, mathematics, science, music and creative expression are well integrated into the free-flowing programme. There is an appropriate balance between child-led play and intentional teaching to broaden learning and challenge thinking. Children sustain engagement in a wide range of play and learning experiences.
Kindergarten environments are attractive, welcoming and well organised to stimulate learning and play. The spacious indoor area celebrates Māori language and culture, and provides well-organised spaces for children to engage in independent and group activities. Children’s work is well displayed and learning is made visible to children and parents. Readily accessed resources are appropriate for the range of age groups. The outdoor area very effectively maximises space and gives children a well-considered range of opportunities to develop social, exploration and physical skills. Children experience a sense of belonging and whanaungatanga at the kindergarten.
Collaborative programme planning is effectively informed by teachers' knowledge of children and their families. Regular assessments are shared with parents through digital programme communication, written portfolios and ongoing conversations. Children have opportunities to revisit their learning through easy access to their portfolios. Teachers are continuing to review and refine assessment processes. Transition to school is smoothly facilitated by targeted assessment and planning to address the individual learning needs of four-year-olds and providing information about local schools. Parents are included in annual summaries of children's assessments. They are well informed about children’s learning and have opportunities to contribute to the programme in action. The kindergarten's cheerful, family-like atmosphere encourages parents/whanau to participate in the programme as they are able.
The head teacher is an enthusiastic role model of professional practice and team leadership. She leads a reflective teaching team, where complementary skills and interests contribute to positive outcomes for children. The head teacher receives high-quality reports from the WKA's Education Support Manager (ESM). These provide robust and specific feedback to improve professional practice. The WKA's recently revised system for staff appraisal helps teachers to evaluate their practice in relation to annual planning goals and children's learning. Leaders and teachers continually improve the quality of education and care through systematic internal evaluation. The kindergarten team has established a very positive staff culture where professional discussions are valued and teachers engage readily in learning and development.
The WKA provides sound, comprehensive systems, policies and procedures to guide kindergarten practice. The organisation has a commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive services that meet the diverse educational needs of all children attending. Teachers have access to ongoing and targeted professional development to support improved practices, and lead to improved outcomes for children. Education support managers work closely with the head teacher and provide well informed and professional leadership to support kindergarten operations.
The key next step is to continue to strengthen programme assessment, planning and evaluation processes that contribute to children's ongoing learning.
Before the review, the staff and management of Glenview 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:
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:
All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.
The next ERO review of Glenview Kindergarten will be in three years.
Lynda Pura-Watson
Deputy Chief Review Officer
Te Tai Miringa - Waikato / Bay of Plenty Region
16 November 2017
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.
| Location | Hamilton | ||
| Ministry of Education profile number | 5158 | ||
| Licence type | Free Kindergarten | ||
| Licensed under | Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 | ||
| Number licensed for | 40 children, including up to 0 aged under 2 | ||
| Service roll | 54 | ||
| Gender composition | Boys 29 Girls 25 | ||
| Ethnic composition | Māori Pākehā Pacific Indian Other | 8 34 4 4 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 | August 2017 | ||
| Date of this report | 16 November 2017 | ||
Most recent ERO report(s)
| Education Review | November 2014 | |
| Education Review | March 2011 | ||
| Education Review | February 2008 | ||
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:
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.
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:
ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.
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.
|
Not well placed |
Requires further development |
Well placed |
Very well placed |
ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.
Shirley Muir Kindergarten is located in Hamilton, is open throughout the year and provides both full-day and sessional education, for children from two years to school age in mixed-age groups. The kindergarten is licensed for up to 40 children over the age of two years at any one time. At the time of this ERO review, 55 children were enrolled, of whom 14 are identified as Māori.
The kindergarten operates under the umbrella of the Waikato Kindergarten Association (WKA), which is a charitable Trust, and does not operate for profit. The strategic direction of the association is guided by the overarching statement, ’Every child reaching their full potential’. The WKA has a commitment to providing quality, inclusive services that effectively meet the diverse educational needs of all children attending. All kindergartens provide an Enviroschools focus as a key curriculum feature to encourage children to better understand caring for the environment.
The Educational Service Manager (ESM) monitors and reports to the association on the kindergarten’s quality of education. A kaumātua from Tainui provides advice, guidance and support about Māori language, culture and identity. The kindergarten’s administrative responsibilities are well supported by association resource personnel.
The kindergarten benefits from WKA’s clear guidelines and expectations for practice and the availability of good self-review processes for monitoring and evaluating the quality of education and care it provides for children.
The kindergarten has a team of four qualified teachers that includes an experienced and long-standing head teacher and three teachers. The kindergarten is well supported by the experienced and efficient administration person. At the time of this ERO review a new and experienced head teacher was soon to join the team.
Since ERO’s last review in 2011 there have been significant changes to kindergarten hours in response to changing community needs and population trends. These changes have resulted in increased numbers of younger children attending.
The team’s shared philosophy is clearly documented and places value on encouraging parents, whānau and the community to contribute to the programme. It also acknowledges Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The kindergarten’s treaty is used as a foundation for establishing rules and expectations with the children each year.
This review was part of a cluster of 12 kindergarten reviews in the Waikato Kindergarten Association.
Shirley Muir Kindergarten is well placed to promote positive outcomes for children.
Positive relationships between teachers, children and their families are based on mutual respect and trust. There is an inclusive, welcoming and family like atmosphere in the kindergarten. Parents who spoke to ERO appreciate teachers’ approachability and their support for them in their role of parenting young children.
Teachers have recently reviewed the kindergarten programme and routines. Changes made have resulted in increased opportunities for children to make choices and engage in more sustained and uninterrupted play and learning. Children also enjoy both planned and spontaneous teacher-led experiences such as mat times, music, games and story reading.
The kindergarten environment is well designed and resourced to foster children’s independence, imagination, creativity, confidence and physical skills. Children also have many opportunities within the child-initiated programme to explore and develop their interests, skills and knowledge in aspects of literacy and mathematics. Teachers give priority to developing children’s social and communication skills.
Teachers regularly use te reo Māori and integrate aspects of tikanga Māori practices into the programme. The mixed-age group supports Māori concepts and values such as whanaungatanga and tuakana/teina, where children make whānau connections, and older or more capable tamariki support and encourage younger learners. There are many opportunities for children to explore and make links to the wider community through planned outings and visitors to the kindergarten.
Teachers regularly talk with parents about their child’s participation in the programme. Parents appreciate seeing their children in photos and stories displayed in the kindergarten, and children’s profile books. The recently developed whānau tree has given parents an opportunity to share some aspirations and goals for their children.
ERO, kindergarten leaders and teachers agree that important next steps for the kindergarten are for teachers to:
In addition, there is a need for the teaching team to continue to develop assessment, planning and evaluation practices to strengthen:
Such improvements are likely to lead to greater depth and complexity to children's thinking, inquiries, learning, and belief in themselves as capable and confident learners.
Before the review, the staff and management of Shirley Muir 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.
The next ERO review of Shirley Muir Kindergarten will be in three years.
Dale Bailey
National Manager Review Services
Northern Region
6 November 2014
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.
|
Location |
Hamilton |
||
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
5158 |
||
|
Licence type |
Free Kindergarten |
||
|
Licensed under |
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 |
||
|
Number licensed for |
40 children, including up to 0 aged under 2 |
||
|
Service roll |
45 |
||
|
Gender composition |
Girls 29 Boys 16 |
||
|
Ethnic composition |
Māori NZ European/Pākehā Indian Cambodian Samoan Cook Island |
14 23 3 2 2 1 |
|
|
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 |
August 2014 |
||
|
Date of this report |
6 November 2014 |
||
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review |
March 2011 |
|
|
Education Review |
February 2008 |
||
|
Education Review |
December 2004 |
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:
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.
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:
ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.
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.