Otamatea Christian School

Otamatea Christian School

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 —

  1. has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and

  5. has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and

  6. has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7; and

  7. has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and

  8. 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 of Education will be informed and they 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.

The school has regularly reviewed policies and procedures to provide for a physically and emotionally safe place for students.

Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.

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.

No international students were enrolled at the time of the ERO review.

Filivaifale Jason Swann
Director Review and Improvement Services (Northern)
Northern Region | Te Tai Raki

14 October 2022

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

Otamatea Christian School - 11/06/2018

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration.

This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.

Otamatea Christian School is a small co-educational school established by Maungaturoto Congregational Church on church land. It caters for students from 5 to 18 years of age. Its roll of 27 students includes seven Māori students. The school is managed by The Board of Governors, made up of members from various churches.

The school mission statement espouses to:

  • affirm basic Christian values with students
  • equip students to lead others
  • provide a quality academic education.

2 Criteria for Registration

Suitable premises and equipment

The premises and equipment are suitable.

The school’s open-plan learning space is well used by children of all ages, and for school assemblies. The junior class also uses an attractive space upstairs in the same building. Afternoon programmes take place in adjoining buildings. Teaching spaces are attractive, with displays of student work and art. Outdoor playing spaces are modern and attractive for students to enjoy.

The spacious rural outdoors are well used as learning areas. The native bush reserve, located next to the school, resources part of the school’s environmental programme.

The school is suitably equipped to meet curriculum needs. Children and teachers access a range of specific resources and materials that support learning.

Volunteers maintain the school premises. Health and safety requirements are met. 

Suitable Curriculum

Otamatea Christian School continues to provide students with a suitable curriculum.

The curriculum aligns with the school’s philosophy of seeking to affirm Christian values as part of a Christian worldview. The curriculum encourages responsibility and mutual respect for others. An inclusive family atmosphere is highly evident.

The school follows the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) philosophy and programmes for Years 1 to 13. Students learn through a sequenced mastery learning and assessment programme that is aligned to each year level. Many parents and whānau volunteer their time to help in the programmes. Students with additional learning needs are further financially supported by parents, to access extra resources.

The ACE programme is complemented by a broader curriculum that includes opportunities for students to compete at Christian conferences as part of learning, and to be involved in the wider life of the school. The afternoon programmes for Years I to 10 extend students through skills based and group learning. Key competencies from The New Zealand Curriculum are evident.

Students are able to achieve qualifications widely accepted by tertiary organisations. They can enrol with Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu to receive correspondence learning in a broader range of subjects. Students are well supported to consider their career pathways before they leave school.

The school’s bicultural curriculum is promoted by staff and supported by parents. The understanding and use of te reo and tikanga Māori across the school is developing well, and is recognised in current strategic planning process.

Students attending the school are focused, diligent and proud of their achievements. They enjoy the calm, respectful attention they receive from adults and the open relationships developed within the school.

Leaders agree that refining the school’s vision, re-establishing strategic goals, formalising an annual plan and developing robust internal evaluation practices are useful next steps. These would help to ensure that goals are transparent for all stakeholders and that programmes and practices are aligned to support a continual focus on improving outcomes for children.

Suitable Staffing and Tuition

Staffing and tuition are suitable.

The school employs two registered teachers, including the principal. The principal takes appropriate steps to ensure that the teacher aide, volunteers and monitors of students are trained and police vetted. Children benefit from a good ratio of teachers to learners, in small classes.

Teachers meet regularly and work in a collaborative environment where there is shared responsibility for all children. They know their students well and support their continuity of learning over time. Teachers have opportunities to take responsibility for specific roles across the school and to develop their leadership potential. They have opportunities for professional learning and development.

Parents and whānau strongly support the work of the school. They are well informed about the programme and about the school’s expectations for their support of children’s continued learning at home. Regular reporting through newsletters about school events and twice yearly formal reports keep parents informed of their children’s progress. Active fundraising by parents helps to ensure that the amount and quality of equipment in the school is suitable.

Fit and Proper Persons

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. The school’s board is relatively new and would benefit from training that supports their stewardship role. Board members fulfil other governance roles in school maintenance, health and safety monitoring and managing school finances.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

At the time of this review there were two international students attending the school.

The school’s practices and processes provide very good support for pastoral care, and ensure monitoring and support for students’ learning and achievement. International students are involved in a wide range of school activities and are well integrated into the school community.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Julie Foley
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)

Te Tai Raki - Northern Region

11 June 2018

About the School 

Location

Maungaturoto, Northland

Ministry of Education profile number

283

School type

Composite (Years 1 to 13)

School roll

25

Number of international students

  2

Gender composition

Girls       16
Boys        9

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Samoan

  7
16
  2

Review team on site

May 2018

Date of this report

11 June 2018

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

May 2013
October 2009
August 2006

 

 

Otamatea Christian School - 11/06/2018

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration.

This review report was prepared in accordance with standard procedures approved by the Chief Review Officer.

Otamatea Christian School is a small co-educational school established by Maungaturoto Congregational Church on church land. It caters for students from 5 to 18 years of age. Its roll of 27 students includes seven Māori students. The school is managed by The Board of Governors, made up of members from various churches.

The school mission statement espouses to:

  • affirm basic Christian values with students
  • equip students to lead others
  • provide a quality academic education.

2 Criteria for Registration

Suitable premises and equipment

The premises and equipment are suitable.

The school’s open-plan learning space is well used by children of all ages, and for school assemblies. The junior class also uses an attractive space upstairs in the same building. Afternoon programmes take place in adjoining buildings. Teaching spaces are attractive, with displays of student work and art. Outdoor playing spaces are modern and attractive for students to enjoy.

The spacious rural outdoors are well used as learning areas. The native bush reserve, located next to the school, resources part of the school’s environmental programme.

The school is suitably equipped to meet curriculum needs. Children and teachers access a range of specific resources and materials that support learning.

Volunteers maintain the school premises. Health and safety requirements are met. 

Suitable Curriculum

Otamatea Christian School continues to provide students with a suitable curriculum.

The curriculum aligns with the school’s philosophy of seeking to affirm Christian values as part of a Christian worldview. The curriculum encourages responsibility and mutual respect for others. An inclusive family atmosphere is highly evident.

The school follows the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) philosophy and programmes for Years 1 to 13. Students learn through a sequenced mastery learning and assessment programme that is aligned to each year level. Many parents and whānau volunteer their time to help in the programmes. Students with additional learning needs are further financially supported by parents, to access extra resources.

The ACE programme is complemented by a broader curriculum that includes opportunities for students to compete at Christian conferences as part of learning, and to be involved in the wider life of the school. The afternoon programmes for Years I to 10 extend students through skills based and group learning. Key competencies from The New Zealand Curriculum are evident.

Students are able to achieve qualifications widely accepted by tertiary organisations. They can enrol with Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu to receive correspondence learning in a broader range of subjects. Students are well supported to consider their career pathways before they leave school.

The school’s bicultural curriculum is promoted by staff and supported by parents. The understanding and use of te reo and tikanga Māori across the school is developing well, and is recognised in current strategic planning process.

Students attending the school are focused, diligent and proud of their achievements. They enjoy the calm, respectful attention they receive from adults and the open relationships developed within the school.

Leaders agree that refining the school’s vision, re-establishing strategic goals, formalising an annual plan and developing robust internal evaluation practices are useful next steps. These would help to ensure that goals are transparent for all stakeholders and that programmes and practices are aligned to support a continual focus on improving outcomes for children.

Suitable Staffing and Tuition

Staffing and tuition are suitable.

The school employs two registered teachers, including the principal. The principal takes appropriate steps to ensure that the teacher aide, volunteers and monitors of students are trained and police vetted. Children benefit from a good ratio of teachers to learners, in small classes.

Teachers meet regularly and work in a collaborative environment where there is shared responsibility for all children. They know their students well and support their continuity of learning over time. Teachers have opportunities to take responsibility for specific roles across the school and to develop their leadership potential. They have opportunities for professional learning and development.

Parents and whānau strongly support the work of the school. They are well informed about the programme and about the school’s expectations for their support of children’s continued learning at home. Regular reporting through newsletters about school events and twice yearly formal reports keep parents informed of their children’s progress. Active fundraising by parents helps to ensure that the amount and quality of equipment in the school is suitable.

Fit and Proper Persons

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. The school’s board is relatively new and would benefit from training that supports their stewardship role. Board members fulfil other governance roles in school maintenance, health and safety monitoring and managing school finances.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

At the time of this review there were two international students attending the school.

The school’s practices and processes provide very good support for pastoral care, and ensure monitoring and support for students’ learning and achievement. International students are involved in a wide range of school activities and are well integrated into the school community.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Julie Foley
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)

Te Tai Raki - Northern Region

11 June 2018

About the School 

Location

Maungaturoto, Northland

Ministry of Education profile number

283

School type

Composite (Years 1 to 13)

School roll

25

Number of international students

  2

Gender composition

Girls       16
Boys        9

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Samoan

  7
16
  2

Review team on site

May 2018

Date of this report

11 June 2018

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review
Private School Review
Private School Review

May 2013
October 2009
August 2006

 

 

Otamatea Christian School - 08/05/2013

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

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 section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website.

The criteria for registration are that the school —

  1.  has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; and
  2.  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;
  3.  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;
  4.  has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school;
  5.  has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents;
  6.  has suitable tuition standards, as described in section 35F;
  7.  has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

2 Criteria for Registration

Otamatea Christian School is a small co-educational school established by the Maungaturoto Congregational Church on church land. The school is managed by a board of governors, made up of church members. The school is regarded as an integral part of the church’s ministry. It provides education for students from Years 1 to 13. The school roll has grown over the past three years.

Since the 2009 ERO review, the school has continued to provide suitable premises, staffing, equipment, curriculum and standard of tuition. The curriculum aligns with the school’s philosophy of seeking to affirm Christian values as part of a Christian world view. There is clear evidence of the philosophy in curriculum implementation, planning and assessment.

The school continues to follows the Accelerated Christian Education (A.C.E.) philosophy and programmes for Years 1 to 13. This sequential learning and assessment programme is complemented by a broader curriculum that includes opportunities for students to engage in appropriate Christian conferences as part of learning. The afternoon programmes for Years I to 10 extend students through skills based and group learning.

Students are able to achieve qualifications widely accepted by tertiary organisations. They are well supported to consider their career pathways before they leave school.

Students attending the school are focused, diligent and proud of their achievements. They enjoy the calm, respectful attention they receive from adults and the open relationships developed within the school.

Premises for learning are suitable. The open-plan learning centre continues to be well used as a learning space, and for school assemblies. The junior class operates in an attractive space upstairs in the building. Afternoon programmes take place in the adjoining prefabricated buildings which have been modified and made warmer. Teaching spaces are attractive, with displays of student work and art. Outdoor playing spaces have also been improved and made more attractive for students.

Strengthening understanding and use of te reo Māori across the school has been an appropriate priority for the principal, and forms part of the current strategic planning process.

Parents strongly support the work of the school. They are well informed about the programme and about the school’s expectations for their children’s continued learning at home. Regular reporting through newsletters and twice yearly formal reports keeps parents informed of school events. Many parents volunteer their time to help in the programmes. Active fundraising by parents helps to ensure that equipment in the school is suitable.

The school employs two registered teachers, the principal and one other. The principal takes appropriate steps to ensure that the teacher aides and monitors of students are trained and police vetted.

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. Board members fulfil roles in school maintenance, health and safety monitoring and school finances.

3 Other Statutory Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.

4 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Otamatea Christian School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Dale Bailey

National Manager Review Services Northern Region

8 May 2013

About the School

Location

Maungaturoto, Northland

Ministry of Education profile number

283

School type

Composite (Years 1 to 15)

School roll

41

Gender composition

Girls 25 Boys 16

Ethnic composition

NZ European/Pākehā

Māori

Samoan

Other

32

4

1

4

Review team on site

March 2013

Date of this report

8 May 2013

Most recent ERO report(s)

Private School Review

Private School Review

Private School Review

October 2009

August 2006

August 2003