53 Owles Terrace , New Brighton, Christchurch
View on mapERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.
More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website.
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a) has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and
c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and
d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
h) is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).
When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.
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The school’s manager has attested that they comply with the provisions as described in clause 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020, in respect to their being a fit and proper person to manage the school.
A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.
ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.
The school has regularly reviewed policies and procedures to provide for a physically and emotionally safe place for students.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Nova Montessori School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)
Southern Region - Te Tai Tini
18 June 2021
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Nova Montessori School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.
Section 35I of the Education Act 1989, requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review fully registered private schools, and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for full registration.
Nova Montessori School is a fully registered, private school. It provides a Montessori education for children between the ages of 6 and 13 years (Years 1 to 8). The school is governed by a registered charitable trust, the Nova Montessori Centre Charitable Trust.
Nova Montessori Children’s House, an early childhood centre, is situated on the same site as the school and shares the same governance, leadership and management as the school.
The school’s vision and goals through the Montessori philosophy is strongly enacted in the curriculum and interactions. It guides all school operations.
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of Section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
Since the 2012 ERO report, the trust has purchased ownership of the premises. The student roll has increased significantly and a new teacher has been appointed in the senior classroom. The school continues to be very well led by the two co-heads of school and experienced trustees.
The school’s premises are attractively presented and suitable for a school of this size and special character. The environment is well maintained and includes modern, flexible learning spaces. The trust and co-heads of school have appropriate systems in place to support the provision of safe and purposeful learning environments.
The school’s buildings have been impacted by remedial work in the surrounding area related to the Canterbury Earthquakes. This work is an ongoing issue and is being well managed by the school.
The school provides suitable staffing. All teachers are registered and Montessori qualified. The appraisal system has improved since the last review. Teachers have appropriate professional development opportunities that are designed to meet their goals and those of the school.
Suitable equipment is provided for the school’s curriculum delivery. Children make good use of the high-quality Montessori equipment. The equipment supports a wide range of curriculum activities. The school could provide greater access to digital technologies, particularly for older students as they prepare to transition to college.
The curriculum provides children with balanced and varied opportunities for education within and outside the classroom. Programmes have a strong emphasis on literacy, mathematics and science. A range of assessment tools provide useful information to guide programmes. Children play a considerable role in monitoring, reflecting and sharing their learning. Parents are well informed about the curriculum and their child’s learning and personal growth.
Tuition standards are appropriate for the context of the school. Co-heads of school and teachers have a child-centred, holistic approach to children’s learning. Teachers’ ability to provide a personalised approach to children’s learning and wellbeing is highly evident.
Staff are becoming more aware of bicultural practices and see this as an area for ongoing development. ERO agrees that this would enhance the strong inclusive and caring culture already evident across the school.
Co-heads are responsive to external evaluation and ongoing improvement. Positive shifts in the way staff appraisals are conducted is noticeable. Strategic and annual planning have also been strengthened. Aspects of planning could be further refined so the strategic focus and progress towards goals are clearer.
There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its other statutory obligations are met.
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Nova Montessori School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.
Lesley Patterson
Deputy Chief Review Officer Southern
1 September 2016
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Location |
Christchurch |
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Ministry of Education profile number |
1582 |
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School type |
Full Primary (Years 1 to 8) |
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School roll |
51 |
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Gender composition |
Girls 27; Boys 24 |
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Ethnic composition |
Pākehā |
24 |
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Special Features |
Attached Early Childhood Centre |
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Review team on site |
July 2016 |
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Date of this report |
1 September 2016 |
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Most recent ERO reports |
Education Review |
November 2012 |