Kereru Kindy

Education institution number:
10432
Service type:
Education and Care Service
Definition:
Not Applicable
Total roll:
16
Telephone:
Address:

152 Bank Street, Whangarei

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Kereru Kindy Too - 19/02/2018

1 Evaluation of Kereru Kindy Too

How well placed is Kereru Kindy Too 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

Kereru Kindy Too is located in Whangarei. It is one of three centres owned and governed by Jenbryce Enterprises Limited. It provides education and care for children over two years of age and is licensed for up to 30 children.

Since the 2015 ERO review the centre has changed ownership and management. This is the first ERO report under the centre’s new management. The service was previously known as Koru Kids Preschool

The centre’s vision promotes a welcoming, learning focused environment. The philosophy is closely aligned to Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, and focuses on children being competent and confident learners. Parent aspirations are recognised, and support a child’s learning and development. The commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi is shown through a te ao Maori approach.

The 2015 ERO report identified the need for managers to improve management practices and clarify expectations of teacher practice. Centre leaders have responded positively to suggestions for ongoing improvement made in the 2015 ERO report.

The Review Findings

Children and their whānau are greeted warmly on their arrival into the centre, and children settle quickly. They play independently or join small groups, and enjoy long periods of sustained play. Children are supported by adults who are eager to engage with them and foster their sense of belonging.

Teachers' talents and skills complement each other. Staff work collaboratively, communicate well and respond to children’s needs. They play with children, fostering their oral language and independence, and support children’s creativity. Learning provocations encourage children to inquire and develop their curiosity. Children’s opportunities to learn mathematics and literacy are evident. Children and teachers are confident using New Zealand sign language. An inclusive culture is promoted in the centre.

Children move freely between the two adjoining rooms. A range of natural resources are available. Good use is made of the small well-designed outdoor area to provide opportunities for explorations and investigation.

Respect for biculturalism is evident in the environment and centre practices. Kupu Māori is used in context with the children. Some teachers confidently take responsibility for integrating waiata, karakia, and te reo in the programme. These good role models are building the confidence and capability of all staff. The Maori perspective is integrated into programme planning.

Programme planning and assessment practices focus on children’s individual interests and prior learning. Parents’ aspirations inform planning which is updated regularly. Portfolios keep whānau informed of their child’s learning journey. Teachers make good use of programme evaluation to reflect on the impact of their teaching practice.

The use of internal evaluation has been effective in promoting change. There is a clear focus on ongoing improvement. Leaders and teachers continue to use internal evaluation to review the curriculum, and work towards promoting positive outcomes for children.

Targeted professional learning has impacted positively on building teachers’ knowledge and capability. A mentor teacher supports the centre manager. Her influence is evident in the planning and practices that have been introduced into the centre. New team members have well informed induction. A new appraisal process is being developed. Using Tātaiako, - Cultural competencies for Teachers of Māori Learners, will deepen teachers’ reflection on the effectiveness of their practice.

The new owners have a clear vision for the centre. An appropriate governance and management structure is in place to support this vision. Comprehensive policies and procedures guide professional practice in the centre.

Key Next Steps

The next steps for centre development include:

  • strengthening programme evaluation by focusing more clearly on children’s learning outcomes 
  • linking the principles of Tātaiako to the appraisal process
  • continuing to strengthen internal evaluation.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Kereru Kindy Too 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 Kereru Kindy Too will be in three years.

Julie Foley
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)

Te Tai Raki - Northern Region

19 February 2018 

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

Whangarei

Ministry of Education profile number

10432

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

30 children over 2 years of age

Service roll

38

Gender composition

Girls       25
Boys      13

Ethnic composition

Māori
Pākehā
other

25
  6
  7

Percentage of qualified teachers

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Over 2

1:7

Better than minimum requirements

Review team on site

November 2017

Date of this report

19 February 2018

Most recent ERO report(s)

This is the first report as Kereru Kindy Too

Previously known as Koru Kids Preschool



September 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 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.

Koru Kids Preschool - 14/09/2015

1 Evaluation of Koru Kids Preschool

How well placed is Koru Kids Preschool to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

Koru Kids Preschool requires further development to be well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children. The service requires support to improve the quality of leadership and governance.

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

Background

Koru Kids Preschool in Whangarei is licensed to provide education and care for up to 30 children aged over two years. The centre is privately owned and operates from a modified building close to the city’s commercial centre. Parents enrol their children for full days or sessions.

The 2012 ERO report was the first for the centre under the name of Noah’s Ark Learning Centre. This 2012 ERO report identified the need for managers to improve teaching and learning practice and leadership.

In 2013 the centre was purchased by new owners with early childhood teaching experience. The centre’s name and philosophy was reviewed and changed. Since then the centre owners have faced several challenges including staffing, enrolments and some aspects of leadership and governance.

The centre’s vision is for children and teachers to ‘grow, love and learn together’. The philosophy is closely aligned to Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum, and focuses on children being confident, independent and interested learners.

The Review Findings

Children have a strong sense of belonging in the centre. They settle quickly on arrival and seek out their friends to play. Children share their ideas confidently with each other and with adults. This supports children to develop social and emotional skills.

Children make decisions about and direct their own play. They engage well with their learning and are familiar with the routines of the day. There is a good balance between child directed and teacher led activities.

Positive, warm relationships are evident between children and teachers. Teachers appropriately support children as they play. External professionals provide advice for teachers about effective ways to support children with special learning needs.

Teachers have a good awareness of the importance of developing early literacy and numeracy skills. They support parents to understand how this can be promoted in the context of children’s play.

Teachers create a homely feel through the centre’s environment. A good variety of resources is easily accessible to children. Teachers create displays to motivate children’s curiosity and provide areas where they can play uninterrupted. Good use is made of the small well-designed outdoor area to provide opportunities for children to explore and learn together.

Teachers regularly notice and record children’s interests and preferred areas of play. They plan collaboratively to provide activities that foster these interests and promote the aspirations parents have for their children’s learning.

The service provider is actively involved in the daily running of the centre. She has sought advice and received regular support from the Ministry of Education. Some experienced early childhood centre managers also provide guidance and mentoring for the service provider. Positive relationships exist between teachers and adults focus on what is good and effective for children.

Key Next Steps

The service provider and ERO agree that external support would be helpful in improving aspects of management including:

  • strengthening policies and procedures including personnel and health and safety
  • continuing to align documented centre policies and procedures with practice
  • further developing strategic, annual and financial planning
  • developing self-review processes that support ongoing improvement.

In order to promote the centre’s vision and to improve teaching practice and leadership, centre leaders and teachers should establish clear expectations of teacher practice, including:

  • identifying the teacher's role in extending children’s thinking and the complexity of their play
  • continuing to improve the quality of planning and assessment processes
  • reviewing the use of learning spaces and the impact on the flow of the programme
  • continuing to develop and strengthen programmes that support Māori children in their language, culture and identity and promote bicultural practice for all children
  • finding further ways to reflect and celebrate the cultural diversity of children in the centre.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Koru Kids Preschool 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.

In order to improve current practice, the service manager should:

  • improve the quality of policies and procedures related to health and safety, personnel and financial management
  • further develop annual and strategic planning.

ERO also identified one area of non-compliance. To meet requirements the service provider must ensure that:

  • self review is used to improve the quality of the service.

Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, R46 (1 a), R47 (1 a, e)

Development Plan Recommendation

ERO recommends that the service consult with the Ministry of Education and plan to address the key next steps and actions outlined in this report.

Next ERO Review

When is ERO likely to review the service again?

The next ERO review of Koru Kids Preschool will be within two years. 

Graham Randell
Deputy Chief Review Officer Northern (Acting)

14 September 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

Whangarei

Ministry of Education profile number

10432

Licence type

Education & Care Service

Licensed under

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008

Number licensed for

30 children, including up to 0 aged under 2

Service roll

19

Gender composition

Boys      11
Girls         8

Ethnic composition

Māori
NZ European/Pākehā
Indian
other

  7
  3
  6
  3

Percentage of qualified teachers

0-49%       50-79%       80%+
Based on funding rates

80% +

Reported ratios of staff to children

Over 2

1:7

Better than minimum requirements

Review team on site

July 2015

Date of this report

14 September 2015

Most recent ERO report(s)

 

Previous review as:

Noah's Ark Learning Centre

Education Review

September 2012

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.