Education Review Office
31 March 2008To the Parents and Community of Jack and Jill Educare
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Jack and Jill Educare.
Jack and Jill Educare is a new centre established in December 2006 and is located in the suburb of Hamilton West. The centre caters for children from three months to school age. This is the first Education Review of this centre.
During 2007 the centre was focused on roll growth, development of policies and procedures for the operation of the centre, the appointment of staffing and the development of a team culture. Currently the existing strategic plan and self review is in an early stage of implementation. In order for the centre to continue its ongoing development, management now needs to strengthen and improve the quality of its strategic planning.
The spacious and purpose built centre provides children with a suitable and interesting environment for active exploration and play. Additions to the outdoor playgrounds and extensive native planting are enriching opportunities for children who enjoy being at the centre and participating in a wide range of activities. Centre management now need to give further consideration to the philosophy that underpins the under two programme, with a view to increasing the quantity and range of equipment that is consistently available to children.
Teachers interact with children in a positive and supportive manner. They encourage children to become involved in meaningful and sustained activities that promote learning and social development. Strong nurturing relationships exist between teachers and children in the centre. Teachers respond promptly to children’s care needs and are very supportive of new children during transition into the centre. A climate of trust and a sense of wellbeing permeates throughout the centre.
Effective communication and strong partnerships exist between centre staff and parents. Children benefit from these meaningful relationships and the close link between home and the centre.
The teaching team works closely together in a professional and cohesive way to enhance learning and development opportunities for children. A sense of purpose is evident in the centre and teachers have a consistent approach to working with children. Teachers are likely to further benefit from the implementation of an effective appraisal process to support their ongoing professional development.
Staff are developing useful strategies for implementing and documenting assessment, planning and evaluation across the centre. Further development of assessment, leading to improved programme quality is now needed.
This report evaluates the quality of education provided by the centre, with particular emphasis on the programme, learning environment and interactions between teachers and children. Progress in self-review is also evaluated. The review investigates aspects of health and safety and how well the centre meets legislative requirements.
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.
Ian Hill
Area Manager
for Chief Review Officer