Kauri Park Kindergarten

Education institution number:
5060
Service type:
Free Kindergarten
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
54
Telephone:
Address:

11 McGlashen Place, Birkenhead, Auckland

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Kauri Park Kindergarten - 15/03/2017

Here is the latest report for the Governing Organisation that this service is part of.

 

1 Evaluation of Kauri Park Kindergarten

How well placed is Kauri Park 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

Kauri Park Kindergarten is part of the Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA), which provides a governance and management framework and support personnel to assist the kindergarten. It is licensed to provide education and care for up to 40 children aged over two years. Most children attend sessions that match school hours and some attend either morning or afternoon sessions.

The head teacher leads a team of three other qualified teachers who have worked at the kindergarten for varying lengths of time. A teacher aide and an administrator make up the staff team.

The kindergarten's philosophy is strongly underpinned by the recognition of Māori as tangata whenua and the dual cultural heritage of Aotearoa. Emphasis is placed on developing a learning community that is respectful of all people and the environment.

The 2014 ERO report highlighted the fact that children were confident and settled in the kindergarten and engaged for long periods in learning opportunities that encouraged exploration and problem solving. Sustainability featured strongly in the programme. Effective relationships with whānau and community had been developed. These aspects of good practice have been maintained.

The 2014 ERO report noted that key next steps were to strengthen parents' and children's contributions to self review, and to evaluate the impact of changes brought about by self review. There has been some progress in these areas.

This review was part of a cluster of 10 kindergarten reviews in the Auckland Kindergarten Association. 

The Review Findings

The richly resourced kindergarten environment provides a wide range of opportunities for children to engage in play. Some children spend long periods of time focused on their chosen activity, well supported by teachers. Physical challenges provide good opportunities for children to develop agility, spatial orientation and balance.

Relationships between teachers and children are responsive and respectful. Teachers work well with individuals and small groups of children, following the child's lead and joining their play. They are active listeners and use children's comments and ideas in programme planning.

Teachers' relationships with whānau are well established and parents' contributions to the programme are valued. The welcoming atmosphere supports parents to linger and children to develop a sense of wellbeing and belonging in the kindergarten environment. There is good support for children to retain and use their home languages.

Te ao Māori concepts are displayed and woven through kindergarten operations. There is a strong commitment from the teaching team to strengthen their knowledge and use of te reo and tikanga Māori in teaching practices.

The curriculum focus on learning dispositions supports children to develop the necessary skills and attitudes to become confident, competent learners. It is also encouraging them to develop friendships and social competence. Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, is highly visible in programme documentation.

Teachers have built a strong connection with the local school and regularly visit with children, supporting their transitions to school. Maths and literacy learning experiences are valued and included in conversations and play in relevant and meaningful ways.

Teachers document internal evaluation, which includes teacher reflection and input from children and whānau. The different topics chosen for review are providing opportunities for teachers to take on leadership roles. Alignment of teachers' appraisal goals would bring more cohesion across the team and help develop shared understandings of the teachers' role in supporting and bringing complexity to children's learning.

AKA systems for monitoring and promoting improvement in kindergarten operations are well established. Kindergarten operations are guided by a comprehensive strategic plan and a shared vision, linked to the AKA strategic goals. The Association continues to review and refine its policies and procedures, including those for teacher appraisal and the endorsement of teachers’ practising certificates.

New AKA roles have been established to provide more targeted support for head teachers in their leadership and management roles. A Quality Improvement Process (QIP) is aligned with AKA and kindergarten strategic plans, is informed by ongoing internal evaluation, monitors quality and promotes continual improvement in kindergartens. AKA support and guidance are responsive to each kindergarten’s individual context.

Key Next Steps

The teaching team agrees that to enhance their current good quality provision for children, they should:

  • continue to strengthen internal evaluation by using evaluative review questions and making more effective use of research and observation in the sense-making process
  • develop cohesion in the recording of programme planning, learning assessments and programme evaluations to establish clear alignment of these processes
  • clarify systems of recording and working towards kindergarten goals
  • reflect on teaching practice and the use of quality questioning techniques to engage children in more complex learning.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Kauri Park 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 Kauri Park Kindergarten will be in three years.

Graham Randell

Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern

15 March 2017

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 

LocationBirkdale, Auckland
Ministry of Education profile number5060
Licence typeFree Kindergarten
Licensed underEducation (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
Number licensed for40 children, over 2 years of age
Service roll55
Gender compositionBoys 35 Girls 20
Ethnic composition

Māori

Pākehā

South and South East Asian

Chinese

other

7

39

4

2

3

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49% 50-79% 80%+

Based on funding rates

80% +
Reported ratios of staff to childrenOver 21:10Better than minimum requirements
Review team on siteDecember 2016
Date of this report15 March 2017

Most recent ERO report(s)

 

Education ReviewFebruary 2014
Education ReviewJune 2010
Education ReviewJune 2007

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.

Kauri Park Kindergarten - 21/02/2014

1 Evaluation of Kauri Park Kindergarten

How well placed is Kauri Park 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

Kauri Park Kindergarten is located in Birkenhead, Auckland, and offers education and care for a maximum of 40 children over the age of two years. It has recently implemented the kindergarten day model (KDM) where most children attend sessions that match school hours. The kindergarten philosophy incorporates a strong focus on children learning through play, and having opportunities to grow in confidence as competent learners and communicators.

A new head teacher was appointed during 2013 and is ably supported by a recently formed teaching team of four qualified teachers and an administrator and a teacher aide. A helpful parent committee supports the team by fundraising and organising family events.

Teachers have responded positively to the previous ERO report and have continued to implement self-review processes for ongoing improvement to the programme for children.

The kindergarten operates as part of the Auckland Kindergarten Association (AKA). The Association provides policy, procedural and operating guidelines. It also provides teachers with regular, topical professional development and on-going support from professional services managers (PSM).

This review was part of a cluster of eight kindergarten reviews in the Auckland Kindergarten Association.

The Review Findings

Children and families are warmly welcomed to the kindergarten. Children settle quickly and make confident choices about their play. They are articulate and confidently engage in conversations with each other and with adults. Children persist at activities for prolonged periods of time as there are many opportunities to explore and problem-solve. They are supported to incorporate reading, writing and mathematics in their play.

Teachers use good strategies at the beginning of the day to set the foundation for learning and play. They make good use of information and communication tools to share children's interests or extend their knowledge.

A feature of the learning programme is the focus on sustainability. Respect for the environment, each other and kindergarten resources is emphasised. Good use is made of the indoor space to motivate and stimulate children's play. The attractive outdoor area provides physical challenge for children and encourages imaginative play.

Teachers have an emphasis on strengthening partnerships between the kindergarten and the community. Parents have opportunities to contribute to policy and programme review. Parents report that they are comfortable contributing to the kindergarten’s programme.

Teachers continue to gain confidence in integrating bi-cultural practices. Aspects of tikanga Maori are evident in the environment and teachers promote te reo Māori through song and conversations with children.

The learning programme reflects Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, and aligns to the kindergarten’s philosophy and vision statement. Teachers have made purposeful adjustments to the programme to respond to the length of time most children now attend the kindergarten. Teachers have also made useful improvements to children's assessment records to make children's learning, strengths and interests more clearly evident. Teachers have recently implemented good strategies to support children as they move to school.

The new head teacher has managed the changes to the KDM well. She has implemented strategies that have resulted in a positive team culture and has promoted leadership opportunities among the newly formed team. Teachers have recently reviewed the philosophy and are using it as a foundation document to inform the strategic direction of the kindergarten. There is evidence of a clear alignment between the philosophy and the programme in action.

The Auckland Kindergarten Association continues to provide strong governance for kindergartens. The recent establishment of nine focus groups provides a forum for head teachers to extend their leadership skills and contribute to the ongoing development of the Association. Strengthening self review in kindergartens remains a focus for PSMs, with workshops planned to involve whole teaching teams. Association leaders agree that planned improvements to the teachers’ appraisal process in 2014 could include developing a means to link teachers’ goals with positive outcomes for children.

Key Next Steps

The kindergarten has identified that their next steps are to enhance self review by:

  • including a greater balance of children’s and parents' input alongside teachers' contributions
  • evaluating the impact of areas under review on outcomes for children.

In order to further build on current good practice the PSM and head teacher have also identified, and ERO agrees, that teachers should:

  • continue to increase their confidence in promoting bi-cultural practices
  • consider ways of improving educational success for Pacific children. 

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Kauri Park 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 Kauri Park Kindergarten will be in three years.

Dale Bailey

National Manager Review Services Northern Region

21 February 2014

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service

Location

Birkenhead, Auckland

Ministry of Education profile number

5060

Licence type

Free Kindergarten

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

40 children, including up to 0 aged under 2

Service roll

64

Gender composition

Girls 34

Boys 30

Ethnic composition

Māori

NZ European/Pākehā

Tongan

other

6

50

2

6

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

November 2013

Date of this report

21 February 2014

Most recent ERO report(s)

 

Education Review

June 2010

 

Education Review

June 2007

 

Education Review

June 2004

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.