ERO Reports

How well placed is Kauri Kids Nathan Homestead to promote positive learning outcomes for children?

Not well placed

Requires further development

Well placed

Very well placed

Background

Kauri Kids Nathan Homestead is a well-established centre in the historic Nathan Homestead in Manurewa. It is licensed for 20 children, including five children aged under two years. The premises are used after 3:30pm for after-school programmes.

The 2014 ERO report commented on the positive relationships children have with teachers and their peers. The report noted the need to add complexity to children's play, establish and monitor goals for improving children's learning and strengthen leadership and governance. ERO's report also identified health and safety concerns relating to the condition of the premises, excursions and police vetting of staff. These concerns have largely been addressed. Programme planning processes are currently being reviewed.

The philosophy of all Kauri Kids centres has been reviewed. It outlines the organisation's commitment to providing a service that is underpinned by Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. The Kauri Kids philosophy values quality learning experiences and opportunities for exploration, the inclusion of all children and their families, and the bicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The centre is part of the Auckland Council and is managed by an ECE Governance Group, which provides a governance and management framework, and support personnel to assist the centre. The recent restructure of the leadership roles has resulted in the further reallocation of responsibilities and a plan for improving practices. There continues to be a period of transition for all staff as they adapt to new systems and responsibilities.

An ECE operations manager is responsible for the overall operations of the 11 Kauri Kids services. A new head teacher has been appointed at Nathan Homestead since ERO's 2014 review.

This review was part of a cluster of three Education and Care Service reviews in the Auckland City Kauri Kids organisation.

The Review Findings

Relationships between children and teachers are warm and respectful. Children freely access play equipment and have opportunities to make choices about their play. They settle quickly, play well alongside each other and enthusiastically join in activities with teachers.

Teachers are attentive and responsive to the immediate needs and preferences of children up to two years of age. These children benefit from respectful nurturing care from teachers and opportunities to interact with older children.

Teachers make very good use of limited indoor space and of other areas in the Homestead complex, to extend children's play. An extensive outdoor area is a key feature of the centre. It currently requires maintenance and redevelopment to maximise its potential as a learning area. This could better support children's interests and learning outcomes.

Teachers' programme planning is currently being reviewed. This curriculum work should help teachers to present and use resources in ways that respond to children’s interests, and extend the complexity of their play.

Parents are informed of their children's participation in the programme through regular learning stories in individual portfolios. Teachers could further develop these documents to include parents' aspirations, and to recognise and celebrate children's cultural identities. Bilingual teachers support children, parents and grandparents whose first language is not English.

A recent review of bicultural practice has helped teachers to increase their use of te reo Maori. Teachers' and children's learning has been enhanced by a visit to a local marae.

Managers are aware that internal evaluation could be more evaluative, collaborative and child focused. They are aware of the benefits of developing a centre-specific strategic plan that aligns with an annual action plan. External professional development would assist the centre to develop robust internal evaluation to guide improvements to teaching practices and the educational programme.

The Kauri Kids governance group is strongly focused on improving the quality of the service, providing a safe, nurturing environment for children, and supporting families. Managers have a strong commitment to providing programmes that include bicultural practices and celebrate children's cultural identities and languages. To support these aims, the organisation provides regular opportunities for teachers to engage in professional development, and gain support from the operations manager and the governance group.

ERO References