Waihi School

Private School Review Report

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 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

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)

Meeting

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.

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

Please refer to conclusion below.

Conclusion

During the onsite phase of the review process, ERO identified the following non-compliances

In relation to the criteria that the school is a physically and emotionally safe place for students (clause 2(h), Schedule 7).

The school management attested to having policies and procedures in place to safeguard the physical and emotional safety of all its students. However, ERO found that some school procedures and practices did not adequately ensure health and safety. 

Local river: Of concern, is the level of risk involved in allowing Year 8 students to swim unsupervised at a local river. Trips to the river usually occur at the weekends. Parents sign a consent form. ERO is not assured this practice meets the criteria for providing a safe physical environment and are concerned that parents receive insufficient information about the level of risk in this activity. The school’s safety action plan places too much responsibility on unsupervised students in the event of an emergency, 

Mowing Squad: Some students complete in-school training and obtain a school licence to operate machinery to mow the school lawns. This machinery includes a push mower, a ride-on mower and a tractor. The risk level for this activity is high. Although there is some level of supervision initially, the board should reconsider if the task is appropriate for students of this age or if they are adequately supervised.

While these practices continue, ERO considers that Waihi School does not meet the criteria that the school must provide a safe physical environment as required under clause 2(h), Schedule 7 of the Education and Training Act 2020 as noted above.

In order to meet registration criteria, ERO recommends that the Waihi School managers and principal review and amend their health and safety policies, procedures and practices in relation to students swimming unsupervised at the local river and using machinery to mow the school lawns.

Since the onsite review

Since the onsite phase of this review and in discussion with ERO, the headmaster and board have provided evidence to show that they:

• have updated relevant policies and processes in relation to concerns identified in this report
• are seeking advice from external safety consultants about the appropriateness of the activities and how to manage and mitigate risk to children’s health and safety. In the meantime, the board has paused the activities.

The board has reviewed the addendum to the boards policy for Mowing Squad Supervision. This now states that: 

• parents, the groundsman and student will sign a declaration that they agree with the behaviours and safety requirements associated with the Mowing Squad
• an adult will supervise students mowing the school lawns, at all times.

Other Matters

Provision for students in the school hostel

The hostel manager and the hostel owner have attested in the Hostel Assurance Statement that they meet the requirements of the Hostel Regulations 2005.

Boarding is central to school life at Waihi School with over half of the school’s students living onsite. Boarders live with their peer groups in well maintained facilities. They are provided with a range of leisure and social activities after school hours which include access to school facilities. 

Pastoral care is prioritised to support student wellbeing. Expectations and procedures are clear, consistent and well understood. The hostel is inclusive and welcoming.

Student and whānau voices are sought regularly and appropriately actioned. Learning is supported by supervisors during structured study time and boarders are encouraged to participate in all aspects of the academic, sporting and cultural life of the school. 

Sharon Kelly
Acting Director of Schools

7 March 2025

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