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19 April 2010
To the Parents and Community of Taikura Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten, Hastings
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Taikura Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten, Hastings.
The Taikura Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten is one of three kindergartens in Hawkes Bay affiliated to Taikura Rudolf Steiner School, Hastings.
The Rudolf Steiner philosophy underpins the programme design and implementation, the development of the environment, and the way adults and children interact. The teaching and learning programme incorporates the early childhood curriculum,
Te Whāriki, Level 1 of The New Zealand Curriculum, and the Rudolf Steiner curriculum. Children can attend the kindergarten from the age of three. All transition to the Rudolf Steiner School in their seventh year. The educational provisions for six year olds at the kindergarten are evaluated in ERO’s 2010 Taikura Rudolf Steiner School report.
Taikura Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten is located in a modern, purpose-built facility that has two learning spaces, a large parent gathering room and administration rooms. The large attractive outdoor area provides a stimulating natural environment and many rich and varied creative learning opportunities. Children learn about sustainable living as they tend and harvest from the vegetable gardens and orchard, and prepare meals and resources. Using the environment as a rich resource, children make and share fresh discoveries and build on real life experiences.
As children work alongside adults, they engage in effective learning through imitation. Children develop literacy and numeracy understandings. They demonstrate articulate oral language skills and creativity. Children extend their ideas and vocabulary as they sustain conversations and spontaneous song with teachers and peers. Adults are consistently warm, encouraging and calm in their interactions with children and provide security through predictable unhurried routines and daily rhythms.
The dual heritage of Aotearoa/New Zealand is naturally woven into the programme as teachers use te reo Māori phrases, kārakia and waiata in spontaneous and formal group times. Symbols, protocols and imagery reflecting Māori demonstrate a growing commitment by staff to promoting an inclusive environment. Children confidently use Japanese and Dutch phrases, rhymes, verse and stories as part of the daily routines in the kindergarten. Cultures are valued.
Children and their families benefit from the partnership between the home and kindergarten. Parent evenings and study groups promote wider understanding of the philosophy that underpins the programme. Children’s key learning developments are shared with parents.
Teachers are reflective practitioners who frequently share their teaching practice with other staff. The professional culture of learning established with Mangarau and Taradale Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten staff promotes shared understandings in the education and care of children attending.
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.
Kathleen Atkins
National Manager Review Services
Central Region
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ERO Reports