Main Road, Waihi Beach
View on map|
Not well placed |
Requires further development |
Well placed |
Very well placed |
Waihi Beach Playcentre is not well placed to promote positive learning outcomes for children.
ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.
Waihi Beach Playcentre is licensed to provide mixed-age sessional education and care for 25 children two days a week, including 12 children up to the age of two.
The Playcentre Aotearoa philosophy, ‘whānau tupu ngātahi – families growing together’, is to empower parents and children to learn, play and grow together. The Waihi Beach Playcentre philosophy is 'to provide a relaxed and welcoming child-led environment where whānau are supported and encouraged to grow, learn and have fun together'.
Since the April 2016 ERO report, the New Zealand Playcentre Federation has restructured by amalgamating all associations to form Playcentre Aotearoa. Waihi Beach Playcentre is part of the Central North Island Region and is supported by a regional manager and support persons.
Whānau and families share responsibility for the curriculum. Day-to-day operation is undertaken by session support personnel and centre-elected office holders. A centre support worker (CSW) and centre administrator visit playcentres to provide professional support, strengthen practice and promote improvement. The centre has made some progress in addressing the next steps identified in the previous ERO report in relation to planning, evaluation and te ao Māori. The area identified for attention in the compliance section, about checks and assuring the safety and wellbeing of children, has not yet been suitably addressed.
This review was part of a cluster of eight reviews in the Central North Island Region of Playcentre Aotearoa.
Systems and procedures that promote children's health and safety are not effectively implemented. While onsite ERO observed significant aspects of the physical environment that posed a risk to the safety of children. These aspects include multiple hazards in the outdoor environment and to a lesser extent indoors.
Relationships among members are collaborative and a sense of community is evident across the centre. The indoor environment provides opportunities for children to choose and experiment with wide range of resources and equipment. New Zealand's bicultural partnership is affirmed in the centre with resources, displays and commitment among members to continue to focus on building their capability. Progress has been made in developing strategic planning and internal review processes. Spontaneous, planned and strategic review is now contributing to ongoing improvements to some aspects of the centre programme.
The revised parent education programme is becoming more accessible to centre members. At this playcentre a several experienced members have recently moved on and current members are accessing a range of relevant training. Changes to the national qualification structure have however resulted in a slower uptake of training. Consequently, a paid supervisor is currently working on session alongside parent members. Appraisal processes for session support staff have recently been strengthened to better evaluate performance in relation to specific roles and responsibilities, identify professional learning and development needs and focus on achievement of goals.
Under the new Playcentre Aotearoa structure, centres are supported by a centre support worker (CSW) and centre administrator. The Waihi Beach service was without a centre administrator from mid-2018 to April 2019, and without a CSW from mid-2018 to October 2019. This situation has impacted progress across a range of centre operation. The recent appointment of a new CSW is beginning to improve reporting structures and assist with centre support and development. It is now important that these systems and practices become established, embedded and regularly reviewed to prioritise positive outcomes for children.
The national restructuring process continues to require significant attention and support to implement an extensive range of systems and processes. Regular communication from Playcentre Aotearoa seeks to keep parents informed of progress, changes and upcoming requirements. National policies and procedures have recently been introduced and parents are in the process of aligning practices to these. Ongoing support is required to enable parents to understand and implement these procedures to meet licensing requirements.
Before the review, the staff and management of Waihi Beach Playcentre 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:
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.
ERO found significant areas of non-compliance in the service related to the provision of health and safety provisions and a suitable physical environment. These relate to:
fixtures and equipment that could fall or topple and cause serious injury or damage are secured
an outdoor environment that is safe and suitable for use, in particular the materials and construction of the 'Whare' outdoor playhouse
the identification of material, equipment and fittings to be kept safe, hygienic and maintained in good condition at all times
daily hazard checking, including but not limited to poisonous plants, the condition and placement of learning, play and other equipment and bodies of water
design and layout of the premises supporting effective adult supervision so that children’s access to the licensed space (indoor and outdoor) is not unnecessarily limited
[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, HS1, HS6, HS12, PF1] [Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, Regulation 46]
ERO recommends that the Ministry reassess the licence of Waihi Beach Playcentre. ERO will not undertake a further education review of this service until the Ministry of Education is satisfied that the service meets licensing requirements.
Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region - Te Tai Pūtahi Nui
29 June 2020
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.
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Location |
Waihi Beach |
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Ministry of Education profile number |
32013 |
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Licence type |
Playcentre |
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Licensed under |
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 |
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Number licensed for |
25 children, including up to 12 aged under 2 |
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Service roll |
25 |
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Gender composition |
Female 14 Male 11 |
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Ethnic composition |
NZ European/Pākehā |
17 |
|
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Percentage of qualified teachers 0-49% 50-79% 80%+ Based on funding rates |
0-49% |
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Reported ratios of staff to children |
Under 2 |
1:3 |
Better than minimum requirements |
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Over 2 |
1:3 |
Better than minimum requirements |
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Review team on site |
February 2020 |
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Date of this report |
29 June 2020 |
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Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review |
April 2016 |
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|
Education Review |
January 2013 |
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|
Education Review |
November 2009 |
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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.
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.
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.
|
Not well placed |
Requires further development |
Well placed |
Very well placed |
ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.
Waihi Beach Playcentre is an early childhood service operated by volunteer parents who are committed to and enjoy learning with and alongside their children. It is one of 13 centres governed by the umbrella organisation known as Thames Valley/Coromandel Playcentre Association (TVCPA) affiliated to the New Zealand Playcentre Federation. The centres in this association cover a wide geographical area, which presents challenges for both the governance/management body and individual centres.
The centre is located in the coastal township of Waihi Beach and is adjacent to the local primary school. It provides two sessions a week for children from birth to school age. At the time of this ERO review there were 23 children on the roll, including 12 children under two and two who identified as Māori.
The centre's philosophy is evident in the relaxed and supportive way children and their families work cooperatively together to provide a rich and well-resourced programme. There are several experienced and long serving playcentre members both at the centre and in the local community that support the sessions. Currently the centre requires assistance from the association and local members to ensure the qualification and course level requirements are met. They are currently looking for a paid supervisor to lead the sessions. There has been a significant turnover of members and a new liaison officer is beginning her work with the centre.
Waihi Beach Playcentre has a positive reporting history with ERO and has made some progress in the areas that were identified in the 2013 review report. Since the previous Education Review in 2013 the association has undergone a complete restructuring. It has employed key personnel to undertake the day-to-day management of the association and centres. This change has allowed the governance board to plan more strategically, effectively manage their finances, property, personnel and health and safety requirements.
The association also provides support in relation to its commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi, te reo and tikanga Māori for centre members. Puriri Whakamaru o Hauraki provides in-centre advice, consultation, guidance and education. This helps parents understand and implement aspects of New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage into the programme. At the time of this ERO review this group had a change of leadership and this remains an area for ongoing development at the centre level.
This review was part of a cluster of six playcentre reviews in the Thames Valley/Coromandel Playcentre Association.
Thames Valley/Coromandel Playcentre Association provides effective and responsive governance and management for the centre. They set clear expectations and provide informed guidance to the centre about finance, personnel, education, programme and property management. Association members undertake regular self-review that focuses on helping centre parents provide a good quality education and care service for their children. Waihi Beach Playcentre members feel well supported by the association.
The playcentre places high priority on developing a shared and emergent leadership model for its members. The newly appointed liaison officer and centre leaders are effectively managing and operating the centre. They provide good role models for self-review, planning, assessment and evaluation and interactions between the adults and children at the service. This is particularly helpful to the large number of new parents and children attending the centre.
Parents and extended family provide a rich and well-resourced programme for their children. It clearly reflects the playcentre philosophy including the provision of a wide range of play areas, child-led learning and the incorporation of Te Whariki, the early childhood curriculum. Experienced centre members are developing an assessment process that documents what parents notice about children's play, recognise the learning that is happening and how they might respond and extend this learning through play. New members now need support and encouragement to involve themselves in this process.
ERO observed a vibrant and busy playcentre session where children were very engaged, active explorers and enjoying their time at the centre. Parents were actively involved with children's play and learning. They used an effective range of strategies to engage and extend children's play and development. Parents support children to develop their social skills and develop friendships amongst the children. A particular feature of this centre was the high level of care and responsiveness towards the babies and toddlers that attended the session.
Centre members work collaboratively together and are very welcoming of new parents and families. There is a strong sense of community present in the centre.
Ongoing priorities for centre development includes:
growing centre members knowledge and skills in self-review
completing sessional health and safety checks
strengthening the presence of Te Ao Maori throughout the programme and centre environment
further developing planning and evaluation systems to better reflect individual planning and learning for children.
Before the review, the staff and management of Waihi Beach Playcentre 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.
At the time of this review ERO and the centre leadership identified areas for compliance development and review of their systems and practices for daily safety checks and assuring the safety and well-being of all children.
The next ERO review of Waihi Beach Playcentre will be in three years.
Lynda Pura-Watson
Deputy Chief Review Officer
14 April 2016
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.
|
Location |
Waihi Beach, Waihi |
|
|
Ministry of Education profile number |
32013 |
|
|
Licence type |
Playcentre |
|
|
Licensed under |
Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 |
|
|
Number licensed for |
25 children, including up to 12 aged under 2 |
|
|
Service roll |
23 |
|
|
Gender composition |
Boys 14 Girls 9 |
|
|
Ethnic composition |
Māori Pākehā Other |
2 18 3 |
|
Review team on site |
February 2016 |
|
|
Date of this report |
14 April 2016 |
|
|
Most recent ERO report(s) |
Education Review |
January 2013 |
|
Education Review |
November 2009 |
|
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.
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:
ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.
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.