Information for parents and whānau

Parents and whānau want to know that their child is learning in an environment where they are safe, supported and able to thrive. ERO reviews help provide independent information about the quality of education and care services provide.

During a review, ERO looks at how well a service supports positive outcomes for children and mokopuna, including the quality of teaching and learning, children's wellbeing, relationships with whānau, and how the service continues to improve over time. The information gathered through reviews helps identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities to improve outcomes for children.

The below Frequently Asked Questions can help you learn more about how ERO reviews across all the many types of early childhood education you can find across Aotearoa, New Zealand.  Remember, if you have any questions, you can also email us at info@ero.govt.nz 

If you have concerns about a service, please visit our page here with information written specifically for parents, or explore the other pages in this section. 

ERO reviews provide an independent view of how well a service supports children's learning, wellbeing and development. Reviews look at what is happening for children, how effectively the service is operating, and what the service is doing to continue improving.

If reviews only happen from time to time, how can they help me understand what is happening right now?

An ERO review provides a snapshot of a service at a particular point in time, but it also looks at the systems, practices and leadership that support quality over time. Reviews are one source of information parents and whānau can use alongside visits to the service, conversations with teachers and kaiako, and information provided by the service itself.

What should I do if I am concerned about my child's service?

If you have concerns, the first step is usually to raise them with the service leader or management. If your concerns are not resolved, or relate to matters such as children's health, safety or wellbeing, you can contact ERO. We have written a quick to read guide that covers key information to keep in mind as you embark on this here. 

If you have serious concerns that relate to the immediate health and safety of a child, you should contact the relevant emergency service by dialing 111. Then, once any immediate issues are dealt with, please contact us. 

If your child’s service is being reviewed, you can also raise any concerns directly with the ERO review team during the review. However, we encourage you not to wait for a review to raise concerns. If you have concerns about a service, you should raise them with the service as soon as possible, or contact ERO if you need further support.

Can I share my views with ERO during a review?

During a review, ERO may invite parents and whānau to share their experiences and perspectives. Your feedback helps us understand what is working well for children and where improvements may be needed.

Depending on the type of review, there may be opportunities to meet with ERO review officers, attend a hui, or provide feedback in other ways. We may also consider how parent and whānau viewpoints are pulled through into aspects of how the setting we are reviewing is run. 

If you have views or experiences, you would like ERO to consider, and you are part of a review we encourage you to share them with us. Your perspective is an important part of understanding how well the service supports children and their whānau.

You can also reach out to ERO with concerns or complaints about the service your child attends by following the information on this page, or about how we undertake work by emailing us at info@ero.govt.nz . 

How does ERO know what children experience every day?

During a review, ERO gathers information from a range of sources. This may include observing learning, talking with leaders, teachers and kaiako, reviewing documentation, and spending time observing children and mokopuna to understand their experiences. 

Does ERO check whether services are safe for children?

Reviews consider how effectively services support children's health, safety and wellbeing. Where concerns are identified, ERO may undertake further review, monitoring or regulatory activity.

How can I find out about a service before my child enrols?

ERO reports can help you understand a service's strengths, areas for improvement and overall performance. Visiting the service, talking with leaders, teachers and other whānau, and reviewing information provided by the service can also help you make an informed decision.

Will I be told the outcome of a review?

Where reports are published, they are available on ERO's website. Services and Governing Organisations also receive feedback and information about findings and next steps and may share these with you through meetings, newsletters or other kinds of updates.