Tyndale Park Christian 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 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- Refer to conclusion below

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

Meeting - Refer to conclusion below

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- Refer to conclusion below

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

Meeting- Refer to conclusion below 

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. 

Meeting - Refer to conclusion below

Conclusion

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 and Training Act 2020. 

During the onsite review

ERO identified the following non-compliances: 

c. In relation to the criteria that the school has staffing that is suitable to the age range and level of students, the curriculum taught at the school, and the size of the school (clause 2(c), Schedule 7)

• students in Years 11, 12 and 13 are not taught by a registered teacher for the majority of their school week. 

d. In relation to the criteria that the school has equipment that is suitable for the curriculum being delivered or to be delivered at the school (clause 2(d) Schedule 7)

• students in Years 11, 12 and 13 do not have sufficient access to practical equipment, especially in science, to enhance their self-directed programmes for learning.

f. In relation to the criteria that the school has suitable tuition standards, as described in clauses 2(e), (f) and 5, Schedule 7

• students in Years 11, 12 and 13 do not have sufficient access to registered and specialist classroom teachers during the school week. The standard of tuition for these students is below that provided to students enrolled at a state school at the same year levels.  

g. In relation to the criteria that the school has managers who are fit and proper persons (as described in clause 6, Schedule 7) to be managers of a private school

• Attestations signed and completed by managers for fit and proper persons have not been received by ERO. 
• ERO is not assured that members of the school board have been assessed as fit and proper persons to be managers of a private school by the Ministry of Education (MOE) as required under clause 6, Schedule7.

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

• ensure that robust systems and procedures for Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) trips and events reflect current best practice, particularly in relation to documentation, risk assessment and approval processes. 

Since the onsite review and during the confirmation of the report process

ERO has received evidence demonstrating that the principal and board have:

• employed registered teachers, or teachers with Limited Authority to Teach (LAT), to ensure senior students have sufficient access to registered and specialist classroom teachers who can deliver the chosen curriculum to at least the standard of tuition expected in a state school
• appointed a specialist teacher (LAT) so that senior students are supported to use and have access to specialist practical equipment to enhance their learning in relation to the chosen curriculum
• provided a full set of ERO attestations, signed and completed by managers, and Ministry of Education approved assessments confirming fit and proper persons eligibility
• undertaken an internal review to strengthen Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) systems and processes, including updating policies and procedures and enrolling staff in upcoming training to further strengthen EOTC practice.

On the basis of the information now received, ERO considers that Tyndale Park Christian 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. 

Sharon Kelly
Director of Schools

28 April 2026

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