Busy Bees Frimley

Education institution number:
30177
Service type:
Education and Care Service
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
55
Telephone:
Address:

312 Frimley Ave, Frimley, Hastings

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Frimley Early Learning Centre - 30/01/2019

1 Evaluation of Frimley Early Learning Centre

How well placed is Frimley Early Learning Centre to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

Frimley Early Learning Centre is well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children.

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

Background

Frimley Early Learning Centre is situated at Hastings. It provides all day education and care for children from birth to school age, five days a week. At the time of this ERO review, 18 of the children enrolled identified as Māori and two are of Pacific heritage.

The service philosophy focuses on building strong relationships and positive wairua to develop children’s independence and competence.

Since the previous ERO review there have been several changes in leadership. The centre manager oversees the day-to-day operation of the centre and supports the teaching team. Most teachers are qualified. They represent a diverse range of cultures.

The February 2016 ERO report identified areas requiring further improvement. These included developing and embedding assessment and planning practices and strengthening the evaluative aspect of self review. Good progress has been made to address these areas.

The centre is owned and operated by Provincial Education Group Ltd (the organisation). It provides governance and management support. A substantial management team oversees a number of services nationwide. This includes a professional leader who provides support and guidance to the teaching team. Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles are central to the organisation's philosophy and practices.

Since the previous ERO review, the indoor and outdoor spaces have undergone significant development to provide additional learning opportunities for children.

The Review Findings

Children lead their own learning within a curriculum that is responsive to their interests and developing dispositions. Redeveloped spaces encourage children to explore, engage and have fun in play for sustained periods of time.

Teachers are responsive to children’s cues, prompts and questions. They use a range of strategies to develop children’s problem-solving and social competence. Warm, respectful relationships are modelled throughout the centre.

Infants and toddlers experience a calm and unhurried learning environment. Teachers offer them choices about what is to happen and wait for them to respond. Children are familiar with the routines of the room and demonstrate a sense of belonging.

Aspects of te ao Māori are evident in the programme. Specific resources and events provide opportunities to experience kaupapa Māori concepts. Some teachers use te reo Māori in general conversations with children. Encouraging greater use of te reo Māori in everyday practice is a key next step. In addition, leaders and teachers should continue to grow their understanding of places of significant value for Māori and celebrate these within the curriculum.

Assessment, planning and evaluation of children’s learning is currently being strengthened. These improvements should show that teachers are collaboratively developing learning goals with parents and whānau and more clearly identifying children's learning over time. Teachers are beginning to work with parents and whānau to build a comprehensive picture of who each child is, their strengths and what they bring to their learning. As this process continues to develop, leaders and teachers should consider how they can:

  • consistently make children’s culture, language and identity more visible in their learning

  • draw from the aspirations of whānau Māori and Pacific community to determine what educational success looks like for them in this context.

Teachers have a well-considered approach to support children and their whānau when transitioning to school. Older children experience a programme aimed at developing self-confidence and competence skills. They have regularly opportunities to experience a school environment.

Leaders and teachers are beginning to implement a useful internal evaluation framework. This should be strengthened by developing relevant indicators of high-quality practice to support evaluation and decision making.

Provincial Education Group senior leadership has high expectations for teacher practice. Systems and processes are in place to promote improvements, for the benefit of children and whānau. Teachers are encouraged to grow their understanding and take on distributed leadership roles.

A sound appraisal framework is in place that leads teachers to investigate aspects of their practice and make ongoing improvements.

A well-considered policy framework is in place to guide teacher practice. The organisation places considerable emphasis on the health, safety and wellbeing of children. A formal reporting process is now being implemented to provide feedback to teachers about the focus of professional leaders' visits.

Parent surveys have affirmed teacher practice and provided feedback for ongoing consideration. Leaders have been pro-active in responding to the survey findings.

A recent national initiative, led by the organisation, provides opportunities for parents and whānau to contribute to the valued outcomes of the service. The organisation should draw from these national findings to inform their strategic direction.

Key Next Steps

ERO and leaders agree that their priority next steps are to:

  • encourage greater use of te reo Māori

  • develop and implement a curriculum reflective of the local context

  • enhance aspects of assessment, planning and evaluation

  • strengthen the internal evaluation framework.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Frimley Early Learning Centre 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 Frimley Early Learning Centre will be in three years.

Phil Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services

Central Region

30 January 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

Hastings

Ministry of Education profile number

30177

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

42 children, including up to 12 aged under 2

Service roll

52

Gender composition

Girls 26, Boys 26

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
Pacific
Asian
Other ethnic groups

18
20
2
9
3

Percentage of qualified teachers

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Under 2

1:4

Better than minimum requirements

Over 2

1:8

Better than minimum requirements

Review team on site

November 2018

Date of this report

30 January 2019

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

February 2016

Education Review

March 2013

Education Review

March 2010

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.

Frimley Early Learning Centre - 01/02/2016

1 Evaluation of Frimley Early Learning Centre

How well placed is Frimley Early Learning Centre 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

Frimley Early Learning Centre is located in Hastings. It is licensed for 42 children from birth to five years of age. The infants and toddlers enrolled at the centre have their own designated space. Over half the children identify as Māori.

Since the March 2013 ERO report, there have been two changes in ownership. The centre, previously known as Frimley Playhouse, came under the management of Provincial Childcare Holdings in May 2015. Processes and systems for strengthening the key next steps identified in the previous report are in place under the current ownership structure.

Provincial Childcare provides management and administrative support. A new centre manager was appointed, and new teaching team established. The centre manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the centre.

The new owners and centre management have appropriately identified a number of areas for development. These include plans to enhance the physical environment. Good progress has been made in addressing identified issues.

Prior to the change of ownership, the Ministry of Education provided support through the Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) initiative.

The Review Findings

The centre’s philosophy promotes reciprocal, respectful relationships through tikanga Māori values and principles. Children and their parents and whānau are warmly welcomed. Teachers know the children and their families well. They spend time talking with parents to share information that supports children to be settled for the day. The philosophy underpins teaching and learning, and partnerships with parents and whānau.

Children’s emotional and social competence are well supported by positive guidance from staff. Teachers foster children’s friendship and leadership opportunities through caring for others.

Routines are unhurried and flexible. Children are supported in self-directed play and this is used by teachers to extend the interests of learners. They move freely between indoor and outdoor spaces. Children are provided with opportunities to be creative and imaginative. Their mathematical and literacy thinking are extended through sustained play.

Infants and toddlers are nurtured in an environment that encourages exploration and use of resources that support their overall development. They benefit from learning experiences within care routines.

There has been a deliberate, planned approach by governance and management to strengthening assessment, planning and evaluation. Newly implemented systems and processes have increased teachers’ focus on individual children’s interests, and strengthened parent and whānau contribution to their child’s learning. Parent partnership for learning remains an area for ongoing development.

Profiles are an attractive record of children’s learning and participation in activities. Special moments and celebrations are acknowledged. Parents’ contributions are welcomed and valued. The centre is in the early stages of introducing e-portfolios which should increase parents and whānau involvement in their children’s learning.

Centre managers and teachers actively incorporate Māori concepts, knowledge and practices into the curriculum. Teachers value the knowledge and experiences the children bring with them. Children’s cultural background is recognised through their leaning profile stories. There is an ongoing commitment to further embed these practices.

Teachers are building and establishing connections with local schools to strengthen and promote smooth transitions for children.

The appraisal process supports teachers to develop and strengthen their practice. There are clear links to the Practising Teacher Criteria. Teachers reflect on their actions and set goals that focus on improving outcomes for children. Provincial Childcare is actively supporting leadership and building the capacity of staff.

There is a sound framework for self review. This is used to gather information, inform decision making and direct change. Strengthening the evaluative focus of review will allow the centre manager, and Provincial Childcare management to better determine how effectively they are improving outcomes for children.

Key Next Steps

Management and staff agree that the following next steps are to:

  • continue to develop and embed assessment and planning practices
  • strengthen the evaluative aspect of self review.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Frimley Early Learning Centre 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 Frimley Early Learning Centre will be in three years.

Joyce Gebbie

Deputy Chief Review Officer Central

1 February 2016

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

Hastings

Ministry of Education profile number

30177

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

42 children, including up to 12 aged under 2

Service roll

45

Gender composition

Boys 28, Girls 17

Ethnic composition

Māori

Pākehā

Indian

Samoan

Other Asian

Tongan

22

13

5

2

2

1

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49% 50-79% 80%

Based on funding rates

80%

Reported ratios of staff to children

Under 2

1:4

Better than minimum requirements

 

Over 2

1:7

Better than minimum requirements

Review team on site

December 2015

Date of this report

1 February 2016

Most recent ERO report(s)

Education Review

March 2013

 

Education Review

March 2010

 

Education Review

February 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.