Findings
At the time of the onsite review, ERO identified that Matahui School was not meeting aspects of the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020. Following the onsite review, leadership and governance have taken steps to address these areas, including determining to remove the studio building from the school grounds, developing property management and maintenance processes, and identifying the names and positions of staff with authority to restrain students.
Introduction
ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.
More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website https://www.ero.govt.nz/how-ero-reviews/ero-reviews-of-schools-and-kura/private-and-independent-schools/.
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a) has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and
c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and
d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
h) is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).
When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.
ERO’s Judgement
a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7;
Refer to conclusion below
b) The school usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years
Meeting
c) The school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school
Meeting
d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school
Meeting
e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents
Meeting
f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7
Meeting
g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students
A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.
ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.
Please refer to conclusion below.
Conclusion
At the time of the onsite review, ERO identified that Matahui School was not meeting aspects of the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020. Following the onsite review, leadership and governance have taken steps to address these areas, including determining to remove the studio building from the school grounds, developing property management and maintenance processes, and identifying the names and positions of staff with authority to restrain students.
Other Matters
Provision for international students
The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code and has completed an annual self-review of its implementation of the Code.
At the time of this review there was one international student attending the school.
International students are catered for in an inclusive environment and are involved in all learning activities with their peers. Small class sizes enable personalised support and care.
Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region - Te Tai Pūtahi Nui
8 March 2021
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement.