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 Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)
The criteria for registration are that the school —
- has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
- 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
- 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
- has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
- has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
- has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
- has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
- 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
Meeting
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)
Meeting
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 ERO review, the school had regularly reviewed policies and procedures with a view to providing a safe physical and emotional place for all students. However, the school had not adequately considered the effectiveness of the policy and procedural framework, or its implementation in practice to ensure that the school is a safe physical and emotional place for all learners.
In order to meet registration criteria, ERO recommended that the Trust Board (school manager) take action to meet the criteria in relation to the following areas:
- that policies and procedures to support a physically and emotionally safe place for all students are reviewed to meet the registration criteria, consistently implemented and meet the needs of the school’s parent community.
- that practice is consistent with the requirement to immediately report to the Teaching Council if it has reason to believe that any teacher has engaged in serious misconduct.
[Section 491 Education and Training Act 2020]
After the confirmation of this report, the school and ERO received proof of the Code of Compliance for new buildings on site.
Since the onsite phase of the ERO review the Trust Board (school manager) has undertaken independent reviews of policies and the implementation of procedures to support a physically and emotionally safe place for students. In addition, the Trust Board has now made appropriate mandatory reporting in terms of the Education and Training Act 2020 to the Teaching Council.
ERO considers that Titirangi Rudolf Steiner School now meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education and Training Act 2020.
Other Matters
Provision for international students
The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 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 were three international students attending the school.
The school’s process for annual self-review, and its provision of pastoral care with reference to the quality
of education and student participation in the school community, meet requirements. Students participate in the range of activities available in the school and are well supported pastorally.
Shelley Booysen
Director of Schools
14 March 2024
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home