Carncot Independent School

Findings

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Carncot Independent School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

1 Background

The Chief Review Officer has a statutory duty to report on the performance of private schools throughout New Zealand.

ERO 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 section 35C of the Education Act.

Section 35I of the Education Act 1989 requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Ministry of Education on whether each school continues to meet the criteria for registration. The schools are privately owned and the legislative requirements are significantly different to those for state and state-integrated schools. Private schools are not required to follow the National Education Goals or National Administration Guidelines.

What does apply in place of the legislation imposed upon state schools by the Education Act is the contract between the persons paying for the tuition of the child at the school – the parents – and the school authority. Those are matters between the parent and the school’s governing body. More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website www.ero.govt.nz/Reviews-Process.

The criteria for registration are that the school:

a)has premises that are suitable, as described in section 35D; 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; 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; and

d)has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school; 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 section 35F; and

g)has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in section 35G) to be managers of a private school.

Carncot Independent School is a private primary for students in Years 1 to 8. At the time of this ERO review, the school had a roll of 108 students. Since the May 2014 ERO report, there have been a number of changes to staffing, including leaders. The school is owned and governed by the Carncot Trust. The special character focus is on excellence and preparedness for future learning in a family oriented environment.

The school’s trustees have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.

2 Criteria for Registration

Suitable Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are suitable for purpose.

There is an appropriate range of classroom spaces and facilities to enable the successful delivery of the curriculum and to promote student engagement and learning. This includes access to suitable facilities for learning in physical education, music, science, cultural and arts. The school provides an environment that supports teaching and learning for students and staff.

The board supports and resources teaching and learning across the school. Classrooms are appropriately equipped. The well-maintained gymnasium, grounds and access to community parks offer students opportunities to practise and participate in a wide variety of sports and physical activities. Teachers make use of the local community and surroundings to extend students' learning.

Suitable Staffing and Tuition Standards

The school is well staffed and provides suitable tuition standards.

Teachers are all fully registered, with current practising certificates. Specific teachers cater for students with additional learning needs and those who are at risk of not achieving at expected levels. Extra staff extend the range of curriculum opportunities. There are clear and consistent expectations for teachers to guide their practice and performance, daily operation and classroom management.

Teaching teams develop year and term planning overviews. From these teachers plan weekly and daily learning contexts and related activities, responsive to individual and group needs. Teachers work collaboratively with staff from other schools to moderate judgements about student learning and achievement in writing. School leaders have identified that they will extend moderation to include mathematics and reading.

The appraisal process has been reviewed and is at an early stage of implementation. Continuing to build teachers' understanding of effective appraisal and fully implementing the strengthened process has been identified as a priority by school leaders. The school supports appropriate professional learning for teachers that is aligned to school priorities and personal development goals.

Suitable Curriculum

The curriculum is suitable for teaching, learning and assessment.

Carnot Independent School has a broad and balanced curriculum that is clearly aligned with and reflects The New Zealand Curriculum. School values as expressed in 'RICHER - respect, integrity, caring, honesty, excellence and responsibility', underpin learning and the way of being at this school. There is a clear focus on literacy and numeracy, with a strong emphasis on other learning areas. An increased focus on using digital technologies supports students to access, present and share their learning. This year, technology provision for Year 7 and 8 students has been planned and delivered by teachers at the school.

Students experience a range of academic, cultural, social, and sporting opportunities. They are encouraged and supported to take on a range of leadership roles and responsibilities. Relationships across the school are affirming and respectful. The school is inclusive. It values and celebrates diversity. Students’ learning, efforts and success are acknowledged and celebrated.

School leaders and teachers have worked collaboratively to review the school’s curriculum, including documenting clear expectations to guide curriculum delivery. Teaching and learning at Carncot Independent School is outlined and implemented over time.

Teachers and leaders have high expectations for students’ success. Data provided indicates that the majority of students are achieving at or above expectation in reading, writing and mathematics. Parents are well informed about curriculum provision and school programmes. They receive useful information about their children’s learning, progress and achievement and have opportunities to be involved in school activities and their children’s learning.

3 Other Obligations

There are good systems in place for the school’s managing body to be assured that its statutory obligations are met. Practices and procedures promote student physical and emotional safety, and ensure the successful operation and management of the school.

The board and senior leaders have refined the framework for strategic planning that sets the direction for school improvement and development. There is good communication with the board through the principal's reports, where detailed information is shared about student achievement, curriculum delivery, school events and activities.

4 Other Matters

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (the code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. At the time of this review there were five international students attending Carncot School.

The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the code.

Staff have systems and processes that guide the provision and support for, and responsiveness to, international students. Students have access to a wide range of good quality learning experiences, enjoy participation in co-curricular activities and are well supported by effective pastoral care systems. Appropriate tuition is available for learners of English as a second language. Student wellbeing, academic progress and achievement are suitably monitored.

5 Conclusion

On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that Carncot Independent School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in the Education Act 1989.

Alan Wynyard

Director Review and Improvement Services

Te Tai Pokapū - Central Region

3 December 2018

About the School