Kindies get ERO thumbs up

South Canterbury kindergartens have received commendable Education Review Office reports.

The 10 kindergartens in Timaru, Temuka, Fairlie and Twizel, part of the South Canterbury Free Kindergarten Association, were visited by ERO earlier this year. Reports were made public yesterday.

General manager Margaret Whitford said she was pleased the reports acknowledged there had been significant progress in teacher assessment, planning and evaluation, and in self-review processes for teachers and the association.

"I think that the governance board has made significant advances in their strategic planning and maintenance priorities and their own self-review processes."

She said she was proud that teachers placed a strong emphasis on children's learning, and on making learning visible.

The association had also implemented a new programme for provisionally registered teachers and remained committed to having 100 per cent qualified and registered teachers.

The next step for the kindergartens was to focus more on planning for teaching, and the association would work on mitigating the effects of funding cuts, she said.

For all kindergartens, the reports showed there had been significant changes to the association management and to the teaching team, and the kindergartens had benefited from the effective governance and management systems now in place.

At Waimataitai, the report said children were viewed as capable and confident learners. Teachers used a range of strategies and inclusive practices to provide a challenging and interesting learning programme.

The strong commitment from teachers at Twizel Free Kindergarten meant they were able to develop increased understanding of the bicultural heritage of New Zealand.

At Kowhai, the report said children and their families were warmly welcomed, and parents and teachers shared information to support children's well-being and learning.

At Hanan, teachers knew the children well and provided them with a wide range of stimulating, challenging learning experiences that invited their participation and curiosity, the report said.

All kindergartens will be reviewed again in three years.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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