Te Aroha o te Ngakau

Education institution number:
47647
Service type:
Education & Care Service
Total roll:
7
Telephone:
Address:

84 Pine Drive, Murupara

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Te Aroha o te Ngakau

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 Te Aroha o te Ngakau are as follows:

Outcome Indicators

(What the service knows about outcomes for learners)

Whakawhanake Sustaining

Ngā Akatoro Domains

 
Learning Conditions
Organisational Conditions

Whakawhanake Sustaining

Whakawhanake Sustaining

2 Context of the Service

Te Aroha o te Ngakau is located in the grounds of Murupara Area school.  Most tamariki enrolled whakapapa Māori or have Pacific heritage. There has been significant growth and progress since ERO’s previous report in 2023.

3 Summary of findings

Tamariki experience an environment where their cultures, languages and identities are affirmed. The philosophy is highly evident and reflects “matemateone”, profound affection for the people and the land.

Local pūrākau (connecting with origins, who we are, where we come from, our purpose and guidelines to achieve) is interwoven throughout the curriculum experiences provided for tamariki. Regular haerenga link tamariki to their hapori (community).

Sensory experiences support creativity and the way tamariki learn. Transitions into the service and onto school are intentionally supported by kaiako. Tamariki lead their learning and take responsibility for routines. Their sustained engagement in play is highly evident. A tuakana-teina approach is promoted. Younger tamariki experience an inclusive curriculum where they learn alongside their older peers. Tamariki with additional needs are well supported to achieve success.

Kaiako have deepened their understanding of Te Whariki, the early childhood curriculum. They have significantly improved the quality of how they assess children’s learning.

Learning-focused partnerships are effective and support learner identity. Whānau, extended whānau, tamariki, grandparents, and the hapori are actively involved in participating and leading regular learning and wellbeing experiences as part of the service’s local curriculum. These include excursions to whānau farms, Matariki celebrations with the local kura, Hau Ora Hub and connections with the church. Various kai initiatives such as weekly kai koha, mara kai and shared kai result in strong community relationships. Celebrations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Samoan, Cook Island and Tokelau language weeks are valued. Whānau lead and share their ways of knowing, being and doing. Māori and Pacific learning dispositions are well supported.

An effective internal evaluation framework is evident that shows ongoing improvements to the curriculum, teaching practices and community partnerships. Leaders and kaiako continue to strengthen how they monitor and evaluate against the service’s valued learning outcomes. They gather information that shows positive impacts and learning outcomes for individual and groups of tamariki over time.

Leaders, governance and the team work collaboratively. Strong progress has been made to implement strategies that connect with whānau and hapori, and support equity of experiences and opportunities for tamariki and their whānau.

4 Improvement actions

Te Aroha o te Ngakau will include the following actions in its Quality Improvement Planning:

  • Continue to monitor and evaluate children’s learning and progress against the valued learning outcomes in Te Whariki to show impacts and outcomes for individual and groups of tamariki over time.

5 Management Assurance on Legal Requirements

Before the review, the staff and management of Te Aroha o te Ngakau 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)

4 September 2024

6 About the Early Childhood Service 

Early Childhood Service NameTe Aroha o te Ngakau
Profile Number47647
LocationMurupara
Service type Education and care service
Number licensed for 21 children, including up to 4 aged under 2
Percentage of qualified teachers 80-99%
Service roll18
Review team on siteJune 2024 
Date of this report4 September 2024
Most recent ERO report(s)Akanuku | Assurance Review, January 2023; Akanuku | Assurance Review, December 2020

 

Te Aroha o te Ngakau

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

CurriculumMeeting
Premises and facilitiesMeeting
Health and safetyMeeting
Governance, management and administrationMeeting

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

A centre manager leads a team of three. The philosophy is based on Matemate ā One (reflecting deep connections to the land and tupuna). Most children enrolled identify as Māori. A small number are Cook Island Māori or other Pacific heritages. The centre is on the grounds of Murupara Area School.

Summary of Review Findings

The service curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua. Children are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of the cultural heritages of both parties to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They are encouraged to understand and respect other cultures.

Children’s preferences are respected, and they are involved in decisions about their learning experiences. Kaiako are responsive to children as confident and competent learners. A language-rich environment supports children’s learning and developing social competence.

Suitable human resource management practices are implemented. Systems and processes are in place to promote the good health and safety of children.

Key Next Steps

Next steps include:

  • continue to provide opportunities for kaiako to deepen their understanding of Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum and assessment practices.

Actions for Compliance

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

  • areas of glass accessible to children are made of safety glass, covered with adhesive film or effectively guarded by barriers.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, PF7]

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

23 January 2023

Information About the Service

Early Childhood Service NameTe Aroha o te Ngakau
Profile Number47647
LocationMurupara
Service typeEducation and care service
Number licensed for21 children, including up to 4 aged under 2
Percentage of qualified teachers50-79%
Service roll25
Review team on siteDecember 2022
Date of this report23 January 2023
Most recent ERO report(s)Akanuku | Assurance Review, December 2020

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.

Te Aroha o te Ngakau

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

CurriculumMeeting
Premises and facilitiesNot meeting
Health and safetyNot meeting
Governance, management and administrationNot meeting

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

Background

Te Aroha o te Ngakau opened in April 2019 and this is the service’s first ERO review. The centre is on the grounds of Murupara Area School. Governance is provided by the director who is also the service provider. A qualified centre manager leads a team of four kaiako.

Summary of Review Findings

The service is not meeting regulatory standards in several areas.

Children experience meaningful and positive interactions with teachers, enhancing their learning and nurturing reciprocal relationships. Teachers provide a language-rich environment that supports children’s literacy learning. The service’s curriculum acknowledges and reflects the unique place of Māori as tangata whenua and children are given opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi. Teachers support children’s developing social competence and understanding of appropriate behaviour. Children make decisions about their learning and their choices are respected.

A philosophy statement guides centre operation.

Actions for Compliance

ERO found areas of non-compliance in the service relating to: premises and facilities, health and safety, and governance, management and administration.

To meet the Premises and Facilities Standard the service must ensure:

  • sufficient quality and variety of (indoor and outdoor) equipment and materials is provided, appropriate for the learning and ability of children attending
  • a safe and effective means of maintaining a room temperature of no lower than 16 degrees celsius
  • provision and maintenance of a compliant first aid kit
  • the sleep space is located and designed to minimise fluctuations in temperature, noise and lighting levels.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, PF4, PF12, PF28, PF37]

To meet the Health and Safety Standard the service must ensure:

  • provision of a current Fire Evacuation Scheme approved by the New Zealand Fire Service
  • six-monthly fire drills are implemented, and evaluations sent to the New Zealand Fire Service
  • a written emergency plan that includes; details of the roles and responsibilities that will apply during emergency situations; a current communication plan for families and support services and evidence of an annual review of the plan
  • staff are familiar with, carry out and evaluate relevant emergency drills with children on an at least three-monthly basis
  • a procedure for monitoring children’s sleep that ensures children are checked for warmth and breathing
  • sleeps records are fully completed by staff
  • a procedure outlining the service’s response to injury, illness and incident including the review and implementation of practices as required
  • recording parental acknowledgement that medicine has been administered for category (ii) medication
  • a record of training for the administering of medications is developed and maintained
  • all practicable steps taken to protect children from exposure to inappropriate material
  • no persons on the premises uses, or is under the influence of, alcohol or any other substance that has a detrimental effect on their functioning or behaviour during the hours of operation.

[Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, HS4, HS7, HS8, HS9, HS27 HS28, HS29, HS32, HS33]

In addition, the service must:

  • ensure the service is effectively governed and is managed in accordance with good management practices.

[Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, 47 (1) (a)]

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

  • there is a current Annual Building Warrant of Fitness (PF3)
  • there is a telephone on which calls can be made to and from the service (PF11)
  • the outdoor activity space is enclosed by fences and gates that ensure that children are not able to leave the premises unattended (PF13)
  • development of an annual plan to guide centre operations (GMA8).

Recommendation to Ministry of Education

ERO recommends that the Ministry reassess the licence of Te Aroha o Te Ngakau. 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 of Te Aroha o te Ngakau will be in consultation with the Ministry of Education.

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

2 December 2020

Information About the Service

Early Childhood Service NameTe Aroha o te Ngakau
Profile Number47647
LocationMurupara
Service typeEducation and care service
Number licensed for25 children, including up to 5 aged under 2.
Percentage of qualified teachers80%+
Service roll24
Gender compositionFemale 15, Male 9.
Ethnic compositionMāori 24.
Review team on siteOctober 2020
Date of this report2 December 2020

Most recent ERO report(s)

 

First ERO review of 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 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.