St Dominic's College - 11 Aug 2022
Introduction
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 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 Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)
The criteria for registration are that the school -
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has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
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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
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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
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has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
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has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
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has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
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has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
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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.
ERO’s Judgement
a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7
Meeting
b) The school 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
Meeting
c) The school 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
Meeting
d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school
Meeting
e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents
Meeting
f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7
Meeting
g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)
Meeting
h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students
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.
Conclusion
On the basis of the information obtained during the review, ERO considers that St Dominic’s College 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.
Other Matters
Provision for international students
The school is a signatory provider to the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 established under section 534 of the Education and Training Act 2020. The school has attested that it complies with all aspects of the Code and has completed an annual self review of its implementation of the Code.
At the time of this review there were four international students attending the school.
Small numbers of international students are warmly welcomed into St Dominic’s and its boarding hostel, Singadou. International students experience all aspects of school, community and parish life, alongside their peers. All international students are accommodated at Singadou.
English language classes and a curriculum reflecting the school’s special character, offer international students an appropriate range of learning experiences. Recreational activity and sport are also offered.
Each international student’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are well met by a team who take the time to know each student. Regular contact with caregivers is made by the school and students are supported through technology to talk with their parents at least weekly.
An experienced team uses self-review processes regularly to ensure ongoing improvement is made to the international student experience.
Provision for students in the school hostel
The school hostel, Singadou, accommodates up to 13 female students, 28% of the school roll. It is owned by The Trust Board of Singadou. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met.
The safety and wellbeing of boarders is a priority for Singadou. High adult-to-boarder ratios help ensure that boarders’ needs are quickly identified, and support offered.
Boarders are accommodated in well-equipped single rooms. Communal areas are used to gather together at meal-times, for recreation and prayers. At the time of the review there were eight boarders residing at Singadou.
The parish church is located adjacent to Singadou. Daily attendance at mass and involvement in wider parish life are appreciated by boarders.
Boarding routines, duties and general expectations are clearly communicated to parents and boarders. Routines help boarders to settle into the daily rhythm of boarding life.
Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region - Te Tai Pūtahi Nui
11 August 2022
About the School
The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home