Where we have come from helps us to be who we are today. Read on to learn more about what makes us tick.
Below follows the introduction of the Early Childhood ERO Report completed in February 2010. To view the full report please follow the link at the end of this introduction.
Chilton Saint James Preschool caters for three and four year old children within the grounds of Chilton Saint James School, an independent Anglican school in Waterloo, Hutt City. While the school educates girls, the preschool also enrols boys. Just prior to ERO's most recent visit, a restructure of the school's staffing impacted upon the organisation of management and leadership of the preschool. The head teacher of the preschool is now re-titled as Deputy Principal-Head of Junior School, having oversight from early childhood up to year 6. A Junior School Curriculum Coordinator also guides and supports development of preschool and primary programmes. The service operates morning and afternoon sessions each day, as well as having some children that stay for both.
The Chilton Saint James vision of students is to be "remarkable as independent
lifelong learners". This preschool review was undertaken in conjunction with ERO's review of the school, and should be read with that report to gain a comprehensive perspective on overall change and improvement. The Board of Trustees and executive committee have developed plans to improve facilities, including the creation of purpose-built early childhood premises. The preschool is fully authorised to conduct the International Baccalaureate Organization Primary Years Programme (PYP).
The centre is a compact, attractive, colourful and busy environment that offers a programme focused on inquiry learning. There is a clear focus on literacy and numeracy, supported by structured activities and a wide range of suitable, high‑quality resources. Teachers' purposeful selection of activities and excursions are designed to provide and enhance learning opportunities. Interactions are kind and caring, and children are praised for their achievements. Well-organised activities encourage the development of topic-related vocabulary.
Parents are assisted in settling their children smoothly into the pre-school environment each day, setting the tone for learning and enabling transfer of pertinent information. A range of formal and informal meeting opportunities, including new child‑led conferences, enables families to celebrate key achievements. Individual profile folders allow reflection on significant memories. Staff wish to further enhance partnerships in learning.
The centre is involved in a great deal of spontaneous and planned self review, for the purpose of improving the programme and environment. Professional development has also been undertaken to enhance self-review processes and strategies. Since the 2006 ERO review, the preschool team has continued to develop its PYP inquiry approach. A continuing focus on streamlining and enhancing planning and assessment practices is likely to assist teachers in responding to opportunities for learning that arise out of children's own interests, strengths and ideas.
ERO is confident that the service is being managed in the interests of the children. Therefore ERO is likely to review the service again as part of the regular review cycle.
When ERO has reviewed an early childhood centre we encourage management to inform their community of any follow up action they plan to take. You should talk to the management or licensee if you have any questions about this evaluation, the full ERO report or their future intentions.
Kathleen Atkins
National Manager Review Services
Central Region
To view the full report please follow this link to Chilton Saint James Preschool ERO Report where a downloadable version and information section by section is available on the ERO website.