Montessori Little Hands

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

Since the onsite visit, the service has provided ERO with evidence that shows it has addressed non-compliances and is now taking reasonable steps to meet regulatory standards.

Background

Montessori Little Hands is a privately owned service providing all day education and care for children in one shared space. The service values Montessori beliefs and practices. There is a small number of Māori and Pacific children attending. A recent reduction of child enrolments has resulted in changes to staffing.

Summary of Review Findings

The programme is consistent with Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. Positive interactions between teachers, whānau and tamariki nurture reciprocal relationships. A range of experiences and a language rich environment enhances tamariki learning. Assessment, planning, and evaluation inform the service curriculum and acknowledge and reflect the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua. Tamariki have opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Systems, processes, and practices are not consistently implemented to ensure that the service maintains licensing requirements.

Actions for Compliance

Since the onsite visit, the service has provided ERO with evidence that shows it has addressed the following non-compliances:

• a documented risk management system is implemented (HS12)

• a procedure outlining the service’s response to injury, illness, and incident, including the review and implementation of practices required (HS27)

• all children’s workers who have access to children are safety checked in accordance with the Children’s Act 2014 (GMA7A).

Next ERO Review

The next ERO review is likely to be an Akarangi | Quality Evaluation.

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

31 August 2022 

Information About the Service

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 regulatory 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.

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

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

Background

Montessori Little Hands is a privately owned service, located in Te Awamutu. All-day education and care for children is provided in two-age specific rooms. This is the centre’s first ERO review since a change of ownership and issue of a full license on 11 June 2019.

Summary of Review Findings

Children are regarded as confident and competent learners. Their preferences are respected, and they are involved in decisions about their learning experiences. Meaningful and positive interactions with teachers enhance children’s learning and nurture reciprocal relationships. A range of experiences and opportunities supports children’s learning and development both indoors and outdoors, individually and in groups.

The curriculum is consistent with Montessori and Te Whāriki. The unique place of Māori, and the right of each child to be confident in their own culture are reflected in the service curriculum. Parent and whānau aspirations for their children are acknowledged.

ERO found an area of non-compliance relating to health and safety.

Actions for Compliance

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

• adults who provide education and care are familiar with relevant emergency drills and carry these out with the children on an at least three-monthly basis; and that a record of emergency drills carried out and evidence of how evaluation of the drills has informed the annual review of the service’s emergency plan.

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

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

• floor surfaces are safe, and suitable for the range of activities (PF6)
• the premises are safe and maintained in good condition (HS1)
• premises are located in a building that has a current Fire Evacuation Scheme that is approved by the New Zealand Fire Service (HS4)
• parents and adults providing education and care are provided with opportunities to contribute to the development and review of the service’s operational documents (GMA4).

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 of Montessori Little Hands will be in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region | Te Tai Pūtahi Nui
11 March 2021 

Information About the Service

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 (PDF 1MB). 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.

1 Evaluation of Montessori Little Hands

How well placed is Montessori Little Hands to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

ERO's findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below.

Background

Montessori Little Hands is a privately owned service located in Te Awamutu. It is licensed to provide education and care for 35 children up to six years of age, including eight children under two years old. The current roll of 37 children includes 11 who identify as Māori. Children and families are from diverse cultural backgrounds. The centre is in a restored, historic villa and children learn in separate, age-based areas. They have regular opportunities to be together as a mixed-age group.

The centre philosophy reflects the principles of Montessori education and Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. It places priority on the child at the centre of society and enabling them to become self-motivated individuals who can contribute to a harmonious and peaceful society.

The centre opened in 2014 and has experienced rapid roll growth. The centre owner is also the service provider. He has established appropriate systems and processes for effective governance and centre operations. The centre is well managed by a head guide who is both a qualified early childhood teacher and Montessori trained. She has many years of experience in leadership and management roles.

Centre leaders are committed to employing guides (teachers) who are well qualified and trained in the Montessori approach to learning and teaching.

This is the first ERO review for this service.

The Review Findings

The centre philosophy is shared and well understood by whānau, families and staff. It sets a clear direction for a consistent, community-oriented approach to guiding children's learning and enabling them to make a contribution to the world.

Children learn in an aesthetically pleasing, calm and settled environment. Guides have established nurturing and trusting relationships with toddlers, young children and their families. They maintain a focus on children's learning and self discovery, and respond to their interests and abilities. Children are able to make choices, explore and experiment with a wide variety of high quality, specialist equipment and materials. Children demonstrate enjoyment in exploring materials that build their early understanding of literacy and mathematical knowledge and the world around them.

Toddlers and children up to three years are confident and settled as they play and learn in a home-like setting. Older children take responsibility as tuakana, including younger children in their play, and sharing and modelling appropriate behaviour. The holistic curriculum is specifically designed to enable children to explore abstract and complex concepts, and develop skills and competencies as self-managing learners.

Children and families experience carefully planned transitions, which are implemented at the child's pace and when they indicate readiness. Children are able to focus and pursue their interests for extended periods of time. There are regular opportunities through the day for them to explore the extensive and imaginatively designed sustainable garden in mixed-age groups. Trips into the local and wider environment enhance children's links with their community. Priority is given to children learning respect for the environment, the equipment and others.

Clear expectations for assessment are supported by a variety of useful frameworks linked to the Montessori curriculum. Children's progress and development is carefully monitored and documented across a wide range of contexts. Individual planning is completed for each child informed by systematic and regular observations by guides. Children's learning is shared with families through both formal and informal opportunities. Attractive individual profile books make learning and success visible for children and families to share together. Teachers and families have a good understanding of the progress and development of children in this service.

A dedicated kaiako skilfully integrates te ao Māori into the context of a Montessori curriculum. Guides expressed appreciation for her support in increasing their own understanding and confidence to include te reo Māori in meaningful contexts. Families from other cultures contribute their knowledge, creativity and cultural perspectives to enrich the learning programme for all children. This is resulting in a strong sense of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga for whānau, tamariki and families, and provides a rich, culturally responsive context for learning.

Guides have established a collegial and professional team in a relatively short time. They are reflective practitioners who demonstrate a good knowledge of Montessori methods and approaches. Guides are skilled at modelling appropriate language and use of the equipment to ensure children are able to take risks, make mistakes and experience success in their learning. Parents expressed their appreciation of the open and transparent communication systems and the guides' commitment to achieving positive outcomes for children.

Centre owners and leaders:

• have established a clear strategic direction and useful systems and processes for self review leading to ongoing centre development and improvement at all levels

• value and promote teachers' professional learning and development and maintain meaningful links with the wider New Zealand Montessori community

• access specialist support where necessary and provide a respectful and inclusive environment that is responsive to the particular needs of children and families

• are committed to valuing, recognising and integrating the language, culture and identity of Māori and all children.

This professional governance and leadership is resulting in a culture of respect where positive outcomes for children and their families are at the centre of decision making.

Key Next Steps

To continue to sustain centre improvement and development centre leaders need to review and refine:

• supervision and routines in the under three Picolli room to better respond to the rapid roll growth in this area

• ways to further value, recognise and support the role of kaiako in the centre

• the ongoing normalisation of the Montessori curriculum to promote and embed the values and principles of Montessori in an early childhood setting.

Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Montessori Little Hands 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.

Next ERO Review

When is ERO likely to review the service again?

The next ERO review of Montessori Little Hands will be in three years.

Lynda Pura-Watson

Deputy Chief Review Officer Waikato/Bay of Plenty

7 September 2016

The Purpose of ERO Reports

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.

2 Information about the Early Childhood Service

3 General Information about Early Childhood Reviews

ERO’s Evaluation Framework

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.

ERO’s Overall Judgement and Next Review

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:

• Very well placed – The next ERO review in four years
• Well placed – The next ERO review in three years
• Requires further development – The next ERO review within two years
• Not well placed - The next ERO review in consultation with the Ministry of Education

ERO has developed criteria for each category. These are available on ERO’s website.

Review Coverage

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.