During 2018/early 2019 ERO worked closely with our team to ensure we were ready for opening. There will be further visits in 2019/early 2020, before we move to the normal review cycle.

We are delighted to share the initial ERO report for our school:

Inclusion of all students is a strong focus for this newly established school. This is clearly demonstrated through the school name, its vision and values that reflects a strong bicultural element as well as through the establishment of a ‘state of the art’ satellite unit. A responsive school curriculum is focused on ensuring equity and excellence for all.

The highly skilled and professional establishment board has been well supported by an experienced and knowledgeable governance facilitator to ensure clear policies and procedures have been developed to reflect the priorities for the school.

Appropriate systems and process for ensuring the emotional safety of student’s have also been developed and implemented. The development of robust strategic planning and self review processes is supporting a culture of ongoing reflection, evaluation and refinement. This has supported the principal and establishment board to be agile and adaptive to emerging priorities. The school is very well placed to govern effectively and together with the governance facilitator are preparing to move towards board elections.

The school vision, direction and values are well defined and documented. Developed in consultation with local iwi, the school purpose and vision for teaching and learning and outcomes for students is clearly defined and articulated. The principal together with the deputy principals have been instrumental in leading the development of a pedagogical vision for learning. In addition, key strategic teaching appointments have been made to compliment this vision and to effectively support curriculum and assessment management, development and delivery. A recent survey to parents since the opening of the school provided overwhelming gratitude and support for the school, its vision and values, facilities and curriculum design. The leadership team ably supported by the EBOT has had a very successful opening of the school.

‘Learning through Play’ is a significant feature of the school’s approach to curriculum teaching and learning. The use of teacher provocations and students own emerging interests support and promote learning through inquiry and student agency. Spacious and well-designed modern learning environments further support and promote individualised and group teaching and learning.

Building teacher capability is a strong strategic priority for the leadership team. To this end, systems to support the induction, coaching and mentoring of new teachers to the school have been thoughtfully developed to meet the particular needs of teachers in open and collaborative learning environments. A responsive professional development programme has been put in place, and teachers were involved a regular discussion and dialogue and engaged in professional readings prior to the opening of the school.

The principal, establishment board and governance facilitator have been very proactive in ensuring all of the necessary systems and processes have been set in place to effectively position the school for a successful opening in 2019.

Priority areas to be addressed:
There are no areas of concern or significant areas for development. Te Ao Mārama school is very well placed to continue to grow and development and is ready to operate under the governance of an elected Board of trustees.