ERO Reports
The 2023 Education Review Office’s report for PolyHigh.
The Review Findings
Children benefit from a responsive bicultural curriculum that is based on the centre’s philosophy and Māori values. Children have many opportunities to learn about the bicultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, including learning about local legends and places of significance.
The learning environment is resourced in ways that show Māori children’s language, culture and identity is valued. Teachers have yet to deeply explore with whānau Māori, what educational success means for them.
Older children explore their ideas through long term projects and artwork. Teachers extend learning and build children’s social competency through positive guidance strategies and rich conversations. They build caring and reciprocal relationships supporting children to develop a sense of belonging.
Infants and toddlers benefit from calm, attentive teachers who support them to lead their own learning and are highly responsive to their verbal and non-verbal cues.
There are useful guidelines for teachers for planning, assessing, and evaluating learning. Children’s assessment documentation forefronts learning dispositions however, documentation does not yet consistently show progression of learning in relation to the learning outcomes of Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum.
Positive relationships with parents are evident. Teachers are increasingly working towards building learning- focused partnerships with all parents.
Leaders and teachers work collaboratively to build their professional practice. Self-review is used to inform change by reflecting on existing practice. There is a framework for internal evaluation in place. However, leaders and teachers are yet to effectively use internal evaluation for improvement.
The board is proactive and well informed about the day-to-day operations but do not yet receive sufficient reporting about learning outcomes for all children or progress towards the strategic goals. A greater focus on aspects of compliance is required.
To read the full report, click here.
The 2019 Education Review Office’s report for PolyHigh.
The Review Findings
Children participate and learn in a play-based programme that supports their emerging interests. Independent and collaborative small group play is fostered through activities that engage and support children to create, explore, and have fun. Older children engage in rich conversations with their peers and teachers. The environment is well-considered and promotes curiosity and participation in learning.
Infants and toddlers are able to move freely and explore in an unhurried, relaxed environment. Teachers respond respectfully to their wellbeing needs. An important next step is to evaluate the programme to determine how effectively it provides purposeful learning opportunities that are responsive to children’s interests.
Children with additional needs are identified and agencies are appropriately accessed.
Teachers provide opportunities for children to sustain play independently and in groups, and enrich their learning. Relationships between teachers and children and between their peers are respectful.
Relevant learning opportunities support children of Pacific heritages. Teachers continue to develop their response to children and their aiga.
Teachers have strengthened curriculum provision through a centre-wide focus on environmentally sustainable practices and te ao Māori perspectives. Local excursions provide meaningful opportunities for older children to connect to their local environment and community. It is timely to further explore ways to strengthen the implementation of Te Whāriki, the Early Childhood Curriculum to clearly articulate the learning that matters and expectations for responsive teaching practice.
To read the full report, click here.
The 2015 Education Review Office’s report for PolyHigh
ERO’s findings that support this overall judgement are summarised below
Polyhigh Community Childcare Centre is located on the campus of Wellington High School and Massey University of Wellington. The centre operates 10 hours a day and is licensed for 50 children, including 20 aged up to 2 years. It is governed by a parent committee.
The ethnic diversity of staff contributes to meeting the needs of the multicultural community, including the 10 Māori children on the roll. Children come from the wider Wellington region.
Most of the teachers are fully registered and qualified. Many are long serving. The high ratio of teachers to children supports opportunities for individual attention to be given to children.
All food is provided. The centre supports healthy eating and is working towards a Healthy Heart Award.
The philosophy has recently been reviewed and is clearly evident in practice. The Resources in Infant Education (RIE) and the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education are promoted within the programme.
Polyhigh Community Childcare Centre has a positive ERO reporting history. It has achieved the next steps identified in the July 2012 ERO report.
The 2012 Education Review Office’s report for PolyHigh
Highlights include:
- Children are well looked after in a positive and nurturing atmosphere.
- There is a calm, unhurried tone.
- Children’s well-being and belonging are actively fostered.
- Teachers encourage children to express ideas and promote collaborative play.
- An inclusive culture underpins day-to-day operations.
- Parents are warmly welcomed and encouraged to spend time at the centre.
- There is a family-like ambiance. Spacious indoor areas allow access to a wide range of resources and learning experiences.
- The newly renovated outdoors is aesthetically pleasing and encourages learning in natural environs.