Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten

Education institution number:
50030
Service type:
Free Kindergarten
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
25
Telephone:
Address:

1655 State Highway 3, RD 4, Maxwell

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Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten - 24/05/2019

1 Evaluation of Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten

How well placed is Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten is well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children.

ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.

Background

Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten is situated in the rural district of Maxwell, several kilometres north of Whanganui. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8.15am until 2:45pm. Full day places are available for children aged from two to six years. The service, previously a community based and run preschool, has been operating for four years under the management of the Whanganui Kindergarten Association. Many families travel some distance to enable their children to attend. Most children attend part time. From the beginning of 2019 the kindergarten operates a 50 week service. At the time of this ERO evaluation there are 37 children enrolled, with seven identifying as Māori.

The kindergarten has established an educational relationship with the local iwi, Ngā Rauru. They have entered into a research project to implement Te Koo iwi Roa, the education plan for Nga Rauru.

The kindergarten philosophy is based around the concepts of whanaungatanga.

Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten is one of 15 kindergartens governed and managed by the Whanganui Kindergarten Association Incorporated (the association). The governing board is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction for the organisation. The day-to-day running of the association is the role of the general manager, who is responsible to the board.

Since April 2018, the association's programme of professional learning and development and curriculum implementation has been managed by He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association Incorporated. An association senior teacher and two senior teachers from Whānau Manaaki provide regular support for teachers.

This review was part of a cluster of 15 in the Whanganui Kindergarten Association Incorporated.

The Review Findings

Children engage in a wide range of well planned curriculum experiences. They are viewed as capable and competent learners. Self management and creativity are fostered by caring adults who work positively alongside children to extend learning. The principles, strands, goals and learning outcomes of the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki, are highly visible in the service. Most children do not attend the kindergarten every day and teachers are very mindful to support their sense of belonging.

Teachers take time to know children and their families well. They plan appropriate learning experiences based on children's emerging and known needs and interests. Parents contribute to their children's learning plans and teachers incorporate their aspirations within the programme.

Assessment, planning and evaluation have been strengthened. Families are active participants in the planning process. The visibility of planning informs children's ongoing learning and curriculum development.

Children's language, culture and identity are enhanced through the value that teachers give to the knowledge and aroha that whānau bring to the centre. The kindergarten is an active participant in the local Ngā Rauru iwi education initiative, Te Koo iwi Roa. This focus is contributing to building teacher capability to deepen their knowledge of te ao Māori. Ongoing development of a place-based curriculum is supported.

Inclusive practices support children's participation and engagement. Teachers work positively to identify and use appropriate teaching strategies to engage children with diverse learning needs. They confidently liaise with external agencies to ensure that children and their families are well supported to achieve positive outcomes.

Children's transitions in to and out of the kindergarten are well managed. The relationship and partnership links made between the kindergarten and children's homes is a feature. Teachers have taken a well considered approach to making those connections so that children and their families know teachers value what they bring to children's learning. Teachers participate in transition meetings at local schools to support learners and their families. They share transition information about children with their new entrant teachers. They make links between the early childhood and school curriculums.

Internal evaluation is clearly focused on change and improvement leading to positive outcomes for children. Ongoing priorities are informed by evaluation. The service is responsive to the changing needs of its rural community. Evaluation includes a strong parent voice.

The governing board is future-focused and has taken appropriate steps to strengthen opportunities for teachers’ professional learning and development. An association-wide appraisal process is in place to support teacher practice in promoting positive learning outcomes for children. Consistency of its implementation across all kindergartens requires strengthening.

Key Next Steps

Association leaders and ERO agree that for ongoing and sustained improvement, staff at Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten should continue to strengthen assessment practices. This should focus on clearly identifying the learning and evaluating the impact on children's learning outcomes.

The senior management team of Whanganui Kindergarten Association Incorporated should continue to strengthen the implementation of teacher appraisal.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten 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.

During the review, ERO looked at the 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 registration; ratios)

  • evacuation procedures and practices for fire and earthquake.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.

Phil Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services

Central Region

24 May 2019

The Purpose of ERO Reports

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the government department that, as part of its work, reviews early childhood services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. ERO’s reports provide information for parents and communities about each service’s strengths and next steps for development. ERO’s bicultural evaluation framework Ngā Pou Here is described in SECTION 3 of this report. Early childhood services are partners in the review process and are expected to make use of the review findings to enhance children's wellbeing and learning.

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service

Location

Whanganui

Ministry of Education profile number

50030

Licence type

Free Kindergarten

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

20 children aged over 2

Service roll

37

Gender composition

Boys 22, Girls 15

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Other ethnic groups

7
27
3

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49% 50-79% 80%+

Based on funding rates

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

1:10

Meets minimum requirements

Review team on site

February 2019

Date of this report

24 May 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

December 2015

3 General Information about Early Childhood Reviews

ERO’s Evaluation Framework

ERO’s overarching question for an early childhood education review is ‘How well placed is this service to promote positive learning outcomes for children?’ ERO focuses on the following factors as described in the bicultural framework Ngā Pou Here:

Pou Whakahaere – how the service determines its vision, philosophy and direction to ensure positive outcomes for children

Pou Ārahi – how leadership is enacted to enhance positive outcomes for children

Mātauranga – whose knowledge is valued and how the curriculum is designed to achieve positive outcomes for children

Tikanga whakaako – how approaches to teaching and learning respond to diversity and support positive outcomes for children.

Within these areas ERO considers the effectiveness of arotake – self review and of whanaungatanga – partnerships with parents and whānau.

ERO evaluates how well placed a service is to sustain good practice and make ongoing improvements for the benefit of all children at the service.

A focus for the government is that all children, especially priority learners, have an opportunity to benefit from quality early childhood education. ERO will report on how well each service promotes positive outcomes for all children, with a focus on children who are Māori, Pacific, have diverse needs, and are up to the age of two.

For more information about the framework and Ngā Pou Here refer to ERO’s Approach to Review in Early Childhood Services.

ERO’s Overall Judgement

The overall judgement that ERO makes will depend on how well the service promotes positive learning outcomes for children. The categories are:

  • Very well placed

  • Well placed

  • Requires further development

  • Not well placed

ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.

Review Coverage

ERO reviews are tailored to each service’s context and performance, within the overarching review framework. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to positive outcomes for children and useful to the service.

Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten - 15/12/2015

1 Evaluation of Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten

How well placed is Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below. 

Background

Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten (formerly Maxwell and Districts Preschool) is now one of 14 kindergartens administered by the Whanganui Kindergarten Association. The kindergarten is licensed for 30 children. Sessions operate from 8:45 am to 1:45 pm.

A new teaching team has been employed since the centre reopened as a kindergarten in January 2015. Both teachers are qualified and registered. They are very experienced and bring different strengths, interests and abilities to the kindergarten. They are assisted by a teacher aide.

The governing body is responsible for setting the overall strategic direction for the organisation. The day-to-day running of the association is the role of the general manager, who is responsible to the board. Two senior teachers are employed to support the learning and development of teachers. Two cultural advisors were recently appointed to support teachers to realise potential and support success for Māori and Pacific children.

This review was part of a cluster of seven kindergarten reviews in the Whanganui Kindergarten Association.

The Review Findings

The kindergarten curriculum responds well to children’s needs. Routines support their strong sense of belonging. The programme operates at an unhurried pace, enabling children to inquire, discover and explore.

Children have many opportunities to take leadership roles. They are challenged, motivated and empowered to learn. Teachers demonstrate good knowledge of children and work alongside them to support their interests. 

The newly implemented philosophy is developed in consultation with families and is evident in practice. It focuses on the priorities of whanaungatanga, individuality, cultural heritage, te reo me ngā tikanga Māori and competent and confident learners. These curriculum priorities are embedded in the programme and teaching practice.

Children with additional needs are well supported in an inclusive environment. Children engage in co-operative play and support one another.

The ‘Priorities for Children’s Learning’ kindergarten initiative is guided by the senior teachers’ response to the recent ERO National Evaluation report. A comprehensive, sound and strategic framework is used to strengthen planning, assessment and evaluation processes in each kindergarten.

Teachers’ interactions with children are warm, respectful and affirming. They spontaneously respond to children's learning interests and needs. There is a strong focus on family engagement.

Wall displays effectively document the learning and planning happening for children. Children’s attractively presented portfolios provide a record of teaching and learning over time. They document key learning events and ways in which teachers have noticed and responded. Teachers collaboratively contribute to assessment through regular planning meetings.

Opportunities for children to revisit their learning experiences with each other and with teachers and whānau are promoted. References to the kindergarten priorities are strongly evident. Inclusion, diversity and children’s identity are woven into assessment.

Whānau contributions are welcomed and valued. There is a sense of akō as teachers, parents and children learn alongside one another. Teachers should continue to make parent contributions more visible in children’s assessment portfolios.

Teachers show a strong commitment to te reo me ngā tikanga Māori which are incorporated into the programme. The language, culture and identity of Māori children are celebrated. Links with local iwi and the community are being established to enhance partnerships.

Children and their whānau are well supported as they transition into kindergarten and on to school. There is a focus on strengthening links with local schools.

A well-structured framework provides teachers with a clear understanding of the purpose and process of internal evaluation. They are making good use of self review to evaluate the impact of teaching and programmes on children’s learning, guide improvement and sustain effective practices. Internal evaluation is influenced by whānau aspirations and underpinned by shared values and beliefs. It reflects a commitment to the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and is appropriately linked to the kindergarten priorities for children’s learning.

The teaching team is highly collaborative and reflective and has able leadership. The experienced head teacher is growing leadership capability in the kindergarten. 

Team professional learning opportunities are aligned with teacher appraisals. A useful appraisal process supports teachers to reflect on their practice in relation to professional teaching requirements. The leadership team is in the process of implementing a revised approach across the association. This should include focused observations of teachers’ practice in relation to their professional goals. Once the new approach is fully implemented, evaluation of its impact on teachers’ development is a next step for the association.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten 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.

During the review, ERO looked at the 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 registration; ratios)
  • evacuation procedures and practices for fire and earthquake.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements. 

Next ERO Review

When is ERO likely to review the service again?

The next ERO review of Maxwell and Districts Kindergarten will be in three years. 

Joyce Gebbie
Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

15 December 2015 

The Purpose of ERO Reports

The Education Review Office (ERO) is the government department that, as part of its work, reviews early childhood services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. ERO’s reports provide information for parents and communities about each service’s strengths and next steps for development. ERO’s bicultural evaluation framework Ngā Pou Here is described in SECTION 3 of this report. Early childhood services are partners in the review process and are expected to make use of the review findings to enhance children's wellbeing and learning. 

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service 

Location

Whanganui

Ministry of Education profile number

50030

Licence type

Free Kindergarten

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

30 children aged over 2 years

Service roll

24

Gender composition

Girls 14, Boys 10

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Other ethnic groups

  2
20
  2

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49%       50-79%       80%+

Based on funding rates

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Over 2

1:10

Meets minimum requirements

Review team on site

October 2015

Date of this report

15 December 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

First review under the Whanganui Kindergarten Association

3 General Information about Early Childhood Reviews

ERO’s Evaluation Framework

ERO’s overarching question for an early childhood education review is ‘How well placed is this service to promote positive learning outcomes for children?’ ERO focuses on the following factors as described in the bicultural framework Ngā Pou Here:

Pou Whakahaere – how the service determines its vision, philosophy and direction to ensure positive outcomes for children

Pou Ārahi – how leadership is enacted to enhance positive outcomes for children

Mātauranga – whose knowledge is valued and how the curriculum is designed to achieve positive outcomes for children

Tikanga whakaako – how approaches to teaching and learning respond to diversity and support positive outcomes for children.

Within these areas ERO considers the effectiveness of arotake – self review and of whanaungatanga – partnerships with parents and whānau. 

ERO evaluates how well placed a service is to sustain good practice and make ongoing improvements for the benefit of all children at the service.

A focus for the government is that all children, especially priority learners, have an opportunity to benefit from quality early childhood education. ERO will report on how well each service promotes positive outcomes for all children, with a focus on children who are Māori, Pacific, have diverse needs, and are up to the age of two.

For more information about the framework and Ngā Pou Here refer to ERO’s Approach to Review in Early Childhood Services.

ERO’s Overall Judgement and Next Review

The overall judgement that ERO makes and the timing of the next review will depend on how well placed a service is to promote positive learning outcomes for children. The categories are:

  • Very well placed – The next ERO review in four years
  • Well placed – The next ERO review in three years
  • Requires further development – The next ERO review within two years
  • Not well placed - The next ERO review in consultation with the Ministry of Education

ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.

Review Coverage

ERO reviews are tailored to each service’s context and performance, within the overarching review framework. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to positive outcomes for children and useful to the service.