Hereworth School

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 Private and independent schools | Education Review Office (ero.govt.nz)

The criteria for registration are that the school —

1. has premises that are suitable, as described in clause 3, Schedule 7; and

2. 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

3. 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

4. has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7); and

5. has a curriculum for teaching, learning, and assessment and makes details of the curriculum and its programme for delivery available for parents; and
6. has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7; and
7. has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school; and 
8. 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 of Education will be informed, and the Ministry will follow up the issue with the school. 

Ko te Tamaiti te Pūtake o te Kaupapa The Child – the Heart of the Matter

ERO’s Judgement

1. The school has premises that are suitable as described in clause 3, Schedule 7

Meeting

2. 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

3. 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

Meeting - Refer to conclusion below

4. The school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school

Meeting

5. 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

6. The school has suitable tuition standards as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7

Meeting - Refer to conclusion below

7. The school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7)

Meeting - Refer to conclusion below

8. The school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students

The school management and the principal attested that they have taken all reasonable steps to meet their legal requirements and/or adopt efficient good practice to ensure 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.

ERO’s judgement is based on the quality, intent and regular review of the school’s policies and procedures.

Conclusion

ERO has determined that the Hereworth School meets the criteria for registration as a private school. 

During the onsite phase of the review process, ERO identified actions that the school was required to undertake in order to meet the criteria for registration as a private school set out in clauses 2 to 6, Schedule 7 of the Education & Training Act 2020.  These actions have since been addressed.

During the onsite review 

ERO identified that Hereworth 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. 

In 2019 the school managing body (board of trustees) appointed a principal as a professional leader of the school. The board is required to ensure that the appointee is registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and has a current practising certificate and has undergone an assessment conducted by the Ministry of Education as a fit and proper person to be a manager. 

Neither of these requirements were met for the principal in the period between the appointment in 2019 and the onsite phase of this review in August 2022. 

The status of the principal as unregistered, and over a period of time, had implications for the issue and renewal of teacher practising certificates. The school did not follow Teaching Council requirements to endorse valid practising certificates. 

ERO could not be assured that these endorsements meet requirements as outlined by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa.

In order to meet the registration criteria, ERO recommended that the board take action in relation to the following areas: 

• the board must ensure that it does not permanently appoint a person to any teaching position if the person does not hold a practising certificate
  [Section 92(2) Education and Training Act 2020]
• request an assessment by the Ministry of Education to determine that the principal meets the criteria as a fit and proper person to be manager of a private school [clause 6(1), Schedule 7 Education and Training Act 2020]
• ensure safety checking of children’s workers, and periodic rechecking of existing children’s workers which includes police vetting
  [Children’s Act 2014, and regulations 5–8 of the Children’s (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children’s Workers) Regulations 2015]
• ensure that the professional leader (or a senior staff member authorised by the professional leader) who endorses teacher applications for issue and renewal of practising certificates holds a full practising certificate.
  [Teaching Council of Aotearoa Regulations]

During the onsite phase of the review ERO verified that an appropriate appointments policy is now in place.

Since the onsite phase of the review

The principal:

• has been assessed by the Ministry of Education that they meet the criteria as a fit and proper person to be a manager of a private school

• has completed the application process to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa and is now a registered teacher with a full practising certificate.

The board:

• has ensured that the safety checking of children’s workers, and periodic rechecking of existing children’s workers was completed

• in consultation with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa, has retrospectively approved the practising certificate of the senior manager named as professional leader.

Consequently, ERO has determined that the school now meets the criteria for registration as a private school. 

Other Matters

Provision for students in the school hostel

The school hostel accommodates up to 56 male students, 21% of the school roll. The hostel owner has attested that all the requirements of the Hostel Regulations are met. At the time of the review there were 50 boarders residing at Hereworth ranging from years 5 to 8. 

Boarders are accommodated in dormitory style rooms and communal areas are used to gather for socialising and recreation. Boarding routines, duties and general expectations are clearly communicated to parents and boarders. Routines and positive relationships with hostel personnel help boarders to settle into the daily rhythm of boarding life.

In discussion with ERO, boarders shared they appreciate and enjoy the opportunities provided by the facilities and the hostel staff, and the relationships that are formed through the hostel experience. 

Hostel management promotes a safe physical and emotional environment that supports learning for students accommodated in the hostel. 

Phil Cowie
Director Review and Improvement Services (Central)
Central Region - Te Tai Pūtahi Nui

25 November 2022

About the School

The Education Counts website provides further information about the school’s student population, student engagement and student achievement. educationcounts.govt.nz/home