Purerehua Early Learning Centre

ERO’s Akanuku | Assurance Review reports provide information about whether a service meets and maintains regulatory standards. Further information about Akanuku | Assurance Reviews is included at the end of this report.

ERO’s Judgement

At the time of the review, ERO identified non-compliance with regulatory standards that must be addressed.

Background

Purerehua Early Learning Centre sits under the leadership of Ko Tūwharetoa te Iwi Charitable Trust. Service operations oversight and responsibility resides with a new directorship structure. Changes to professional leadership and the teaching team have occurred. Professional development has supported some centre improvements since the 2019 ERO review.

Summary of Review Findings

The unique place of Māori as tangata whenua is acknowledged and reflected through the service curriculum. Tamariki are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Parents and whānau have regular opportunities to contribute to their child’s learning. Assessment, planning and evaluation is informed by tamariki interests and preferences. Tamariki are supported to develop their social competencies.

Review for accountability and improvement are implemented.

Governance and management structures are guiding service systems and operations.

Actions for Compliance

ERO found areas of non-compliance in the service relating to:

• a fire evacuation scheme approved by the New Zealand Fire Service and maintained through regular reporting to New Zealand Fire Service

• review of the emergency plan on an at least annual basis and implementation of improved practices as required

• relevant emergency drills carried out with children on an at least three-monthly basis

• accident/incident records are analysed to identify hazards.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centre 2008, HS4, HS7, HS8, HS12].

Since the onsite visit the service has provided ERO with evidence that shows it has addressed the following non-compliances:

• heavy fixtures, furniture and equipment are secured (HS6)

• water stored in any hot water cylinder is kept at a temperature of at least 60C (HS14)

• a tempering valve or other accurate means of limiting water temperature is installed (PF24).

Next ERO Review

The next ERO review will be in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region | Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

15 June 2022 

Information About the Service

General Information about Assurance Reviews

All services are licensed under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008. The legal requirements for early childhood services also include the Licensing Criteria for Education and Care Services 2008.

Services must meet the standards in the regulations and the requirements of the licensing criteria to gain and maintain a licence to operate.

ERO undertakes an Akanuku | Assurance Review process in any centre-based service:

• having its first ERO review – including if it is part of a governing organisation

• previously identified as ‘not well placed’ or ‘requiring further development’

• that has moved from a provisional to a full licence

• that have been re-licenced due to a change of ownership

• where an Akanuku | Assurance Review process is determined to be appropriate.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

All early childhood services are required to promote children’s health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements. Before the review, the staff and management of a service 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.

As part of an Akanuku | Assurance Review ERO assesses whether the regulated standards are being met. In particular, ERO looks at a 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 certification; ratios)

• evacuation procedures and practices for fire and earthquake.

As part of an Akanuku | Assurance Review ERO also gathers and records evidence through:

• discussions with those involved in the service
• consideration of relevant documentation, including the implementation of health and safety systems
• observations of the environment/premises, curriculum implementation and teaching practice.