ERO Summary of findings May 2023

“Children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds experience an environment where they are
an integral part of the service. Children are confident and settled and this is fostered by the secure,
trusting relationships they have developed with teachers. Teachers work closely with parents to
support children’s social competence and emotional wellbeing. As a result, children and families
demonstrate a strong sense of belonging at the centre.

The service’s philosophy is based on Te Whāriki, the early childhood curriculum. It also includes the
Forest Kindergarten approach (making use of natural environments in the community to facilitate
children’s learning). Parents’ aspirations, cultural knowledge and their contributions are regularly
sought to inform the local curriculum. Assessment and planning records celebrate the learning
progress of individuals and groups of children, including their diverse cultural heritages.

Children are provided with frequent opportunities to make choices about their play and to actively
co-create the curriculum. Teachers see children as competent learners and provide a range of
opportunities to foster their independence. Children are actively involved in a curriculum cooking
initiative which fosters lifelong cooking skills.”

The full report can be read at ero.govt.nz