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Click here to read the full report
19 April 2010
To the Parents and Community of Mangarau Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten
These are the findings of the Education Review Office’s latest report on Mangarau Rudolf Steiner Kindergarten.
The Mangarau 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 Taikura Rudolf Steiner School in their seventh year. The educational provision for six year olds at the kindergarten is evaluated in ERO’s 2010 Taikura Rudolf Steiner School report.
Children demonstrate a strong sense of well-being and belonging. They investigate and explore gardens, trees and wilderness areas with enthusiasm and move easily from one area to another. They develop as confident, competent learners in a warm, welcoming and emotionally supportive environment.
Children experience an environment that reflects the dual heritage of
Aotearoa/New Zealand. They use te reo Māori phrases, karakia and waiata in spontaneous and formal group times. Children and teachers value and understand Māori symbols, protocols and imagery.
A wide range of high quality, open ended, natural resources support children as they engage in complex imaginative play. Older children model behaviours for younger children and remind them of expectations. Children develop oral language skills as they negotiate with each other and adapt their play to accommodate group needs.
Children spontaneously explore literacy and numeracy in meaningful ways. Learning conversations with adults and peers extend ideas and vocabulary in a natural way. They confidently use Japanese phrases, and rhymes, verse and stories as part of the daily routines in the kindergarten.
Strong parent teacher partnerships for learning are evident. Parent evenings and study groups promote wider understanding of the educational philosophy that underpins the programme. Many parents enjoy long-standing associations with the kindergarten. Children and their families benefit from these links between the home and kindergarten.
Teachers effectively use a range of methods to record key developments in children's learning and share these with parents. They use self review to reflect on their teaching practice individually and in teams. The professional culture of learning established with Taikura 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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