Fairy Springs ELC

Education institution number:
30084
Service type:
Education & Care Service
Total roll:
60
Telephone:
Address:

5 Isobel Street, Rotorua Central, Rotorua

View on map

Harakeke Early Learning Centre

1 ERO’s Judgements

Akarangi | Quality Evaluation evaluates the extent to which this early childhood service has the learning and organisational conditions to support equitable and excellent outcomes for all learners. Te Ara Poutama Indicators of quality for early childhood education: what matters most are the basis for making judgements about the effectiveness of the service in achieving equity and excellence for all learners. Judgements are made in relation to the Outcomes Indicators, Learning and Organisational Conditions. The Evaluation Judgement Rubric derived from the indicators, is used to inform ERO’s judgements about this service’s performance in promoting equity and excellence. 

ERO’s judgements for Harakeke Early Learning Centre are as follows:

Outcome Indicators

(What the service knows about outcomes for learners)

Whāngai Establishing

Ngā Akatoro Domains

 
Learning Conditions
Organisational Conditions

Whāngai Establishing

Whāngai Establishing

2 Context of the Service

Harakeke Early Learning Centre is a privately-owned service where tamariki play and learn in three age-based rooms. The centre values the pā harakeke as a metaphor representing the whānau and what the child has inherited from their whānau through whakapapa. A significant number of Māori children and some Pacific children attend the service. Recently appointed kaitiaki and three kaihautū lead a culturally diverse teaching team.

3 Summary of findings

Tamariki Māori experience a curriculum where their culture, language and identity are affirmed and valued. Surrounded by te ao Māori, Tamariki engage with wā whāriki, manaakitanga, waiata, pūrakau, hearing and speaking of te reo Māori. Younger tamariki are well catered for through communal caregiving and kaiako who are responsive to verbal and non-verbal cues. The curriculum is in the early stages of reflecting the culture, language and identity of Pacific learners. Tamariki Māori have a strong sense of belonging.

Kaiako authentically enact aspects of the centre philosophy and are actively working toward developing partnerships with whānau to meet the individual needs of tamariki. Kaiako prioritise kanohi ki te kanohi as a valued means of communication and information sharing that reflects Māori ways of being and doing. The wellbeing of tamariki and their whānau is clearly prioritised by kaiako. The mana and identity of tamariki is upheld and nurtured. 

Assessment of learning for tamariki shows progression over time and individual learner identity. Children’s culture, language and identity is in the early stages of being reflected in documentation. Kaiako have begun to evaluate the impact of their teaching more deeply to better understand how their practice supports ongoing learning. Assessment is not yet consistently aligned to the learning outcomes of Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum.

Clear decisions are made by leaders and kaiako to remove barriers and provide support for ongoing participation and positive experiences for tamariki and their whānau. Systems for strategic planning and internal evaluation are in place, however understanding of the role of evaluation to aid continual growth is yet to be fully established.

4 Improvement actions

Harakeke Early Learning Centre will include the following actions in its Quality Improvement Planning:

  • Build a shared understanding of an effective assessment and planning processes to:
    • integrate the cultures, languages and identities of all tamariki throughout the process
    • reflect the valued learning outcomes from Te Whariki.
  • Continue to increase opportunities for whānau to work in partnership with kaiako, to further develop an understanding of their cultures, languages, identities and aspirations for their tamariki.

5 Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Harakeke Early Learning Centre completed an ERO 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; safety checking; teacher registration; ratios)
  • relevant evacuation procedures and practices.

All early childhood services are required to promote children's health and safety and to regularly review their compliance with legal requirements.

Patricia Davey
Director of Early Childhood Education (ECE)

31 January 2024 

6 About the Early Childhood Service 

Early Childhood Service NameHarakeke Early Learning Centre
Profile Number30084
LocationRotorua
Service type Education and care service
Number licensed for 80 children, including up to 20 aged under 2
Percentage of qualified teachers 80-99%
Service roll72
Review team on siteDecember 2023
Date of this report31 January 2024
Most recent ERO report(s)Akanuku | Assurance Review, August 2022; Akanuku | Assurance Review, March 2021

Harakeke Early Learning Centre

ERO’s Akanuku | Assurance Review reports provide information about whether a service meets and maintains regulatory standards. Further information about Akanuku | Assurance Reviews is included at the end of this report.

ERO’s Judgement

Regulatory standards

ERO’s judgement

Curriculum

Meeting

Premises and facilities

Meeting

Health and safety

Not meeting

Governance, management and administration

Meeting

At the time of the review, ERO identified non-compliance with regulatory standards that must be addressed.

Background

Harakeke Early Learning Centre is a privately-owned service. Tamariki play and learn in three age-based rooms. A significant number of Māori children and a large number of Pacific children attend the service. A newly appointed kaitiaki/centre manager and three kaihautū lead a culturally diverse teaching team of 12.

Summary of Review Findings

The service curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua. Tamariki are given opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They are encouraged to understand and respect other cultures. Tamariki are included in decisions about their learning experiences. A language-rich environment supports their learning.

Tamariki experience positive and respectful interactions with kaiako. Documented assessment and planning inform the curriculum. The service provides opportunities to collaborate with parents and whānau about the service operations and learning of their tamaiti.

The service’s systems and processes guide day-to-day operations.

Actions for Compliance

ERO found areas of non-compliance in the service relating to:

  • carrying out relevant emergency drills with children on an at least three-monthly basis.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, HS8]

Recommendation to Ministry of Education

ERO recommends the Ministry follows up with the service provider to ensure that non-compliances identified in this report are addressed promptly.

Next ERO Review

The next ERO review will be in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region | Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

15 August 2022 

Information About the Service

Early Childhood Service Name

Harakeke Early Learning Centre

Profile Number

30084

Location

Rotorua

Service type

Education and care service

Number licensed for

80 children, including up to 20 aged under 2

Percentage of qualified teachers

80-99%

Service roll

59

Review team on site

July 2022

Date of this report

15 August 2022

Most recent ERO report(s)

Akanuku | Assurance Review, March 2021; Education Review, January 2018

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.

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 Akanuku | Assurance Review process in any centre-based 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 Akanuku | 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 Akanuku | 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; safety checking; teacher certification; ratios)

  • relevant evacuation procedures and practices.

As part of an Akanuku | 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.

Harakeke Early Learning Centre

ERO’s Akanuku | Assurance Review reports provide information about whether a service meets and maintains regulatory standards. Further information about Akanuku | Assurance Reviews is included at the end of this report.

ERO’s Judgement

Regulatory standards

ERO’s judgement

Curriculum

Not meeting

Premises and facilities

Meeting

Health and safety

Not meeting

Governance, management and administration

Not meeting

At the time of the review, ERO identified areas of non-compliance with regulatory standards that are an unacceptable risk to children.

Background

Harakeke Early Learning Centre is a privately-owned service. Children play and learn in three age-defined rooms. The service’s principal resigned in December 2020. At the time of this ERO evaluation day-to-day operation was being managed by the owner and deputy principal, supported by three team leaders, pending the appointment of a new principal.

Summary of Review Findings

Strengthening of systems and processes to monitor and record compliance actions is required in a range of areas. Recent self review is helping leaders to improve the quality of the centre’s education and care and progress towards compliance.

The curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua. Positive steps have recently been taken to acknowledge the aspirations held by parents and whānau for their children. Assessment, planning, and evaluation are yet to be fully developed to inform the curriculum.

Actions for Compliance

ERO found areas of non-compliance in the service relating to:

  • having a curriculum that is informed by assessment, planning and evaluation that demonstrates an understanding of children’s learning and their interests, and is therefore consistent with Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum
  • securing heavy equipment that could fall or topple and cause serious injury or damage
  • carrying out earthquake drills with children on at least a three-monthly basis
  • consistently implementing the procedure for monitoring children’s sleep to ensure they are checked for warmth, breathing and general well-being at least every 5-10 minutes
  • having evidence of parental acknowledgement that medicine has been given
  • the child protection policy having provisions for the identification of child abuse and neglect
  • having a system of regular appraisal.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, C1, C2, HS6, HS8, HS9, HS28, HS31, GMA7]

During and since the onsite visit the service has provided ERO with evidence that shows it has addressed the following non-compliances:

  • kitchen appliances are fitted with safety devices to ensure that children cannot access them without adult assistance or supervision (PF17)
  • having a current Fire Evacuation Scheme approved by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (HS4)
  • analysing accident/incident records to identify hazards and take appropriate action (HS12)
  • maintaining a record of all food served at the service and keeping these for 3 months after the food is served (HS19)
  • ensuring an ample supply of water is available to children at all times, and older children are able to access this water independently (HS21)
  • medicine is only given with the written authority of a parent (appropriate to the category of medicine) (HS28)
  • safety checks are undertaken, and the results obtained before the worker has access to children (GMA7A)
  • ensuring that enrolment records include the name of the van driver as a person authorised by the parent to collect the child, where the van service is accessed (GMA10)
  • 50% of staff required by maximum licence numbers hold a recognised ECE qualification. [Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008 44 (3)]

Recommendation to Ministry of Education

ERO recommends that the Ministry reassess the licence issued to this service provider. ERO will not undertake a further review of this service until the Ministry of Education is satisfied that the service meets regulatory standards.

Next ERO Review

The next ERO review will be in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region | Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

22 March 2021 

Information About the Service

Early Childhood Service Name Harakeke Early Learning Centre
Profile Number 30084
Location Rotorua

Service type

Education and care service

Number licensed for

75 children, including up to 20 aged under 2.

Percentage of qualified teachers

80%+

Service roll

56

Ethnic composition

Māori 42, NZ European/Pākehā 3, Cook Island Māori 6, Other ethnic groups 5.

Review team on site

January 2021

Date of this report

22 March 2021

Most recent ERO report(s) Education Review, January 2018; Education Review, June 2015.

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.

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 Akanuku | Assurance Review process in any centre-based 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 Akanuku | 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 Akanuku | 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 Akanuku | 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.