Review 24 March 2021
LatestFindings
On the basis of this information ERO considers that Jean Seabrook Memorial School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Introduction
ERO reviews of private schools are significantly different in process and more limited in scope and reporting than those for state and state-integrated schools, focusing as they do on the Criteria for Registration set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Clause 9, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act requires the Education Review Office (ERO) to review private schools and to report to the Secretary for Education on whether each school meets the criteria for registration.
More information about ERO reviews of private schools can be found on ERO’s website https://www.ero.govt.nz/how-ero-reviews/ero-reviews-of-schools-and-kura/private-and-independent-schools/.
The criteria for registration are that the school —
a) has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and
b) usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years [clause 2(b), Schedule 7); and
c) has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7; and
d) has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and
e) has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
f) has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
g) has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and
h) is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).
When an ERO report identifies an area within the criteria for registration that is not meeting the criteria at the time of the ERO review, that will be reported, the Ministry will be informed and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school.
ERO’s Judgement
a) The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7;
Meeting
b) The school usually provides tuition for 9 or more students who are of or over the age of 5 years but are under the age of 16 years
Meeting
c) The school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of its students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school
Not Meeting
d) The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school
Meeting
e) The school has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents
Meeting
f) The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e),(f) and 5, Schedule 7
Meeting
g) The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)
The school’s managers have attested that they comply with the provisions of section 35G in respect to their being fit and proper persons to manage the school.
h) The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students
A safe place is one in which risks to student safety are regularly assessed and evaluated with a view to eliminating, or at least reducing, harm. A safe place is one where clear policies exist and are acted upon to eliminate or minimise harm.
Refer to conclusion below
ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.
Conclusion
During the onsite stage of the review ERO considered that Jean Seabrook Memorial School did not meet the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 with specific reference to suitable staffing (clause 2 (c), Schedule 7) and the school being a physically and emotional safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7)
Sufficient policies and procedures were not in place to guide the understanding of requirements and provide consistency in supporting suitable staffing. Procedures that required development include safety checking of the work force and procedures to comply with Physical Restraint Rules (2017).
Policies and procedures needed to be developed to provide a more useful framework for the school to be able to review its provision of a physically and emotionally safe place for students and adults. This included three areas:
- implementing procedures for following up student absence
- developing and implementing an Education Outside of the Classroom (EOTC) policy and procedures
- strengthening the recently developed Child Protection Policy.
Since the onsite stage of the review the school has provided evidence to show it has addressed all of the criteria above. On the basis of this information ERO considers that Jean Seabrook Memorial School meets the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020.
Dr Lesley Patterson
Director Review and Improvement Services (Southern)
Southern Region | Te Tai Tini
24 March 2021