Kimbolton Early Learning

ERO’s judgement

At the time of the review, ERO found the service was taking reasonable steps to meet regulatory standards.

Background

Kimbolton Early Learning operates under the umbrella of Ruahine Kindergarten Association. The teaching team of two is guided by the centre manager. A recently appointed administrator is employed to allow kaiako lunch breaks three days a week. Parents cover the remaining two days voluntarily. This is the service’s first review.

Summary of review findings

Tamariki engage in a range of play-based experiences during their time at the service. The curriculum reflects the service’s philosophy and aligns to Te Whāriki. Kaiako and parents work collaboratively to provide an inclusive learning environment for children and whānau.

Systems are in place to include parents and whānau in decision-making about the service and their child’s learning. Internal evaluation practices build kaiako capability and contribute to improved programmes for tamariki.

Governance and management support centre operation. Senior teachers provides professional advice and feedback to promote improvement. Quality assurance and communication processes guide leadership, teaching and legislative expectations.

Next ERO Review

The next ERO review is likely to be an Education Review.

Phillip Cowie

Director Review and Improvement Services Central

Central Region

1 July 2019

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

• the Licensing Criteria for Home-based Education and Care Services 2008

• the Licensing Criteria for Hospital-based 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 Assurance Review process in any 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 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 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 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.