Country Kids

Come and See Us!

Celebrating over 20 years as a community supported, licensed pre-school in the heart of the Moutere district. Google Map.

Read More

Te Whāriki

We follow the early childhood curriculum - Te Whāriki of the Ministry of Education. Learn more about our curriculum planning...

Read More

Community Owned and Managed

Country Kids is an Incorporated Society being non profit making means that all income is used for the benefit of the children and the centre.

Read More

A Great Team

We are proud of our team of teachers and support staff, and we would love to meet you and show you around. Get in touch to arrange a time.

Read More

top border

ERO Report

 ERO Logo

 16 February 2009

To the Parents and Community of Country Kids Childcare Centre
 

 These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Country Kids Childcare Centre.

 Country Kids Childcare Centre is a community based education and care service situated in Upper Moutere, on the inland route between Motueka and Nelson. The centre provides two separate programmes daily with some children attending both. The Country Kids programme caters for mixed ages from infants to children up to five years of age while the “Just for Kids” sessions cater specifically for older peer groups.

 In 2005, ERO found that the programmes emphasised participation, promoted early literacy and numeracy skills and encouraged children to take responsibility and develop self awareness. However, at that time resources were not readily accessible to children, group planning was limited, and a robust self-review cycle had not been established. In addition, the “Just for Kids” programme did not appropriately recognise individual learning.

This review evaluates the quality of education including programme planning and assessment, the learning environment and interactions between adults and children. It includes comment on the provision made for Māori children. Areas of compliance related to children’s health and safety were investigated and a need to review the arrangement for sleeping children noted.
Since 2005, centre management has been restructured. A Board, comprising members with a wide range of relevant expertise, oversees centre governance matters while a management team is responsible for day-to-day operations. A well-considered three-year strategic plan guides centre improvements. The board and management acknowledge the importance of supporting staff to keep abreast of current teaching practice. Continuing professional development is generously funded and the Nelson District Free Kindergarten Association continues to provide useful advice and guidance.
A comprehensive bicultural partnership policy demonstrates an understanding of board, management and staff responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Practices show a commitment to meeting the needs of Māori children and their whānau. Te reo Māori me ōna tīkanga are well embedded in centre routines. Tuakana teina relationships are evident in the way older children interact with and care for infants and toddlers.
Partnership with parents is valued in this rural childcare centre. Community fundraising allows the board to carry out extensive renovations. These have resulted in a larger purpose-built facility that has considerably enhanced the teaching and learning environment and enabled more children to be enrolled. A well-appointed foyer with attractive displays acknowledges the cultural backgrounds of the children and provides a spacious and welcoming reception area. There is now better provision for all children, including designated areas for those less than two years of age. Staff now have appropriate space for administration and relaxation. The board has plans for further development of the outside area, particularly that for the under two year olds.
The manager’s leadership skills foster a cohesive team approach to improvement as the staff become used to the increased space. She has worked closely with a Nelson Kindergarten senior advisory teacher to improve assessment, planning and evaluation practices. The collaboratively developed centre-wide plans have enhanced the flow and consistency between the two programmes. The “Just for Kids” sessions are now more flexible with children taking an active role in both the structured and free play activities.
Inside and outdoors are well equipped with resources invitingly set up to encourage children’s meaningful exploration according to their emerging interests. Early literacy and mathematical learning are naturally incorporated into daily activities that promote children’s cognitive, physical, social and creative development. Children are highly engaged and well supported in their play.
Parents are kept informed about centre operations through regular newsletters. Carefully presented, attractive profiles are easily accessible for both children and their families to revisit prior learning. All teachers and some parents contribute, giving multiple perspectives on the child’s progress and development. The transition to school procedures are to be reviewed to enhance the process for children, their families and staff.

The teaching team is aware that the programme for children under two years of age requires development. The professional training scheduled for 2009, aimed at building on assessment, planning and evaluation practices, is likely to address this.

Future Action
ERO is confident that the service is being managed in the interests of the children. Therefore ERO is likely to review the service again as part of the regular review cycle.
When ERO has reviewed an early childhood centre we encourage management to inform their community of any follow up action they plan to take. You should talk to the management or licensee if you have any questions about this evaluation, the full ERO report or their future intentions.
If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the centre or see the ERO website,
http://www.ero.govt.nz
SIGNED
Lennane Kent
Area Manager

 

for Chief Review Officer
No comments