Early Learning Regional News – April 2015

• Tai Tokerau
• Auckland
• Waikato
• Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō
• Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne
• Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu
• Wellington
• Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast
• Canterbury
• Otago, Southland

Tai Tokerau

There is no update this month for the Tai Tokerau region.

Auckland

Message from Kevin Emery Director of Education, Auckland

It’s great to see how many people are getting involved in the Early Learning Networks to promote quality practices and increase participation across Auckland. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) team is keen to have your feedback on what’s worked and what hasn’t in this new way of working with you. Please contact Sarah Morrison, Manager ECE, with any feedback (sarah.morrison@minedu.govt.nz) and, as always, feel free to email me any time (kevin.emery@minedu.govt.nz).

Early Learning Network update

In May and June, we are offering you a unique opportunity to talk to the Ministry about what early learning participation and quality looks like in your area. More information will be coming out soon. Please email us to register your interest: earlylearningnetworks.registration@minedu.govt.nz.

Alongside the Early Learning Networks, we are also running specific clusters and events to support our language immersion services.

Services teaching in Te Reo Māori held a wānanga in March and another wānanga is planned for May. Please contact Debra.ReihanaRuka@minedu.govt.nz if you would like further information.

Services teaching in a Pasifika language have their own cultural early learning network and events. See below for who to contact for further information about what is happening and how to get involved.

Thank you for your involvement in your local Early Learning Networks over the last few months. Events are happening until the end of June, so if you are interested in finding out more please email the coordinator for your area.

Waikato

Ka nui te mihi ki a koutou i tēnei wā

Where is the year going? We are past Easter already! It has been a very busy few months for us here in the Waikato. I and a number of my colleagues have had the pleasure of meeting with many of you. I am keen to visit you at your service, kōhanga reo or playgroup to see you and your kids in action. If you would like me to come and visit please email me at paula.rawiri@minedu.govt.nz.

The “Big Day In”

On 18 March, 120 teachers from early childhood education (ECE) services and some Ministry staff gathered for “The Big Day In” at the Waikato Ministry office.

Early childhood teachers who are involved in Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) contracts for early literacy and early mathematics presented their learning journeys.

As the Director of Education, I was proud to open the hui and speak about the importance of children attending ECE to gain solid foundations for learning that lead to strong literacy and mathematics.

Presentations included:

• Tic-Tac-Toe Educare (Huntly): acknowledgment and inclusion of children’s socio-cultural literacies supporting their relationships with whānau
• Lintotts Community Childcare (Hamilton): reflections on the foundations of how learning and teaching happens, and how this informs literacy practice
• Fairfield Kindergarten (Huntly): broadened understanding of literacy as meaningful learning within this low socio-economic area, and how it makes a difference for Māori children enrolled
• Buckland Street Childcare (Putaruru): reflections on the messages within Te Aho Tukutuku (a Ministry of Education mathematics resource) about children being regarded as kakano, precious seeds, to strengthen mathematical strands of learning, and
• Reporoa Kindergarten (Reporoa): shared how tamariki were exposed to mathematical language in a way that meant they had a deep understanding of the concepts and are able to communicate them through everyday play.

Those attending were very impressed with the breadth and calibre of the presentations and there was something for everyone to reflect on. Our thanks go to these services for taking the time to support other teachers’ learning.

Hauraki and Raukawa

I met with senior managers of the Raukawa and Hauraki iwi recently to discuss their educational aspirations and how we might work together to support the achievement of them. As you will know, iwi provide a critical point of contact for education through the direct link they have with whānau and hapū. They are also the repositories of knowledge and expertise specific to their iwi, which can in turn support their people to enjoy and achieve educational success as uri (descendents) of their iwi.

The Ministry of Education has worked with iwi to create iwi profiles. The ones that have been completed for the Waikato area can be found on Education Counts along with other data pertinent to the Waikato area. The profiles for each iwi provide a snapshot of education participation and achievement by tribal members. As Sir Mason Durie said in 2001 at the Hui Taumata Mātauranga, “It makes limited sense only to prepare students for a life in international commerce if living as a Māori must be sacrificed. Similarly, if fluency in te reo Māori has been achieved through education but there is no preparation for work or for participating in a wider society, then a disadvantage has occurred.”

Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō

Kia ora and Talofa lava

I would like to use this opportunity to update you on some of the exciting things we are involved with in support of the Better Public Service goal that by 2016, 98% of children starting school will have participated in quality early childhood education.

Firstly, congratulations to Te Taumata o Ngāti Whakaue Iho Ake Trust, which has been re-contracted to provide the Engaging Priority Families (EPF) Promoting Participation Contract in the Rotorua district. EPF is all about finding non-participating children and working with their families to support them to enrol in an early childhood education (ECE) service.

We also have an EPF contract in Turangi, where He Oranga Wairua He Tikanga Aroha has worked very hard to ensure that children can go to an ECE service. Both Tongariro Area School and Te Kura o Hīrangi are now reporting that 100% of children starting school have participated in ECE. This contract is due to end in May this year.

In the Whakatane area, we have extended the EPF contract with Ngāti Awa Social and Health Services through to the end of 2016.

Eastbay Rural Education Activity Programme (REAP) has established a very successful playgroup in Kawerau through our Supported Playgroup initiative. This playgroup has attracted a number of very young mothers who have benefitted greatly from the support of the playgroup. A number of these mothers have gone on to enrol their children in licensed ECE services.

Kawerau Preschool Learning Centre has increased its maximum number of children through a Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP) grant scheme. Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust is opening its ECE service soon. This service, which is also funded through a TAP grant, is in Owhata, Rotorua.

Ako Tika Ltd is also opening a centre on the grounds of Hinemihi Marae in Ngāpuna, Rotorua. The Rotorua Pacific Islands Development Charitable Trust is also planning a Pan Pacific ECE service to be situated at Sunset Primary School.

We have contracted a number of iwi and community organisations to establish local community action groups to drive up demand for ECE by informing families about the value of participating in ECE.

As part of the SELO (Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities) initiative, we have funded Chi Li-Chuan Education Services Ltd for Eric Hollis to provide a series of Child Protection seminars throughout our area. You should expect to receive information shortly about where and when the seminars will be held. Some of you will also be contacted to determine your needs to support Māori and Pasifika identity, language and culture.

We have been busy licensing new services. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Ebabies @ Glenholme, Biggles Early Learning Limited, Omokoroa Pre School, Little Einsteins Montessori (MacDonald Street) and Nurtured at Home Bay (2) all the very best.

Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne

New Brethren playgroup in Hawke’s Bay

Since February the Ministry has been working with a new playgroup in Hawke’s Bay, to transform a casual playgroup of Brethren mums and children to a certificated playgroup. This is an exciting initiative. There are 21 children already enrolled in the playgroup. Fourteen of the 3 and 4 year old children were not previously attending early childhood education.

Early Learning Resource Trailer – Mobile Outreach project

The Early Learning Resource Trailer promotes awareness of early learning and raises levels of participation in quality early childhood education. The Hastings Community Action Group (Hastings CAG) and Purena Koa Rehua Youth Services have equipped the fully covered trailer with early childhood resources and marketing materials. An event to bless the trailer was held on 16 March.

The trailer is now available to community groups, including schools, when they hold events, particularly where the event connects with families of non-participating children.

For more information please contact Kayren Hatherell by email: pkryouthsrv@xtra.co.nz or phone: 06 879 6434.

Pop up trailer and resources available from the pop up trailer:

The pop up trailer

Resources available from the pop up trailer

Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu

Kia ora koutou

I hope you all got the opportunity to relax and enjoy your Easter break.

Playgroup Professional Development

On Monday 30 March the Whanganui Ministry of Education office hosted a “Supporting Infant and Toddler Learning at Playgroup” workshop with Wild Baby ECE Facilitator Stuart Guyton.

Stuart has been working with 11 playgroups in our region, supporting them with ideas and resources that motivate interaction and encourage play. This workshop was an opportunity for participating playgroups and others to hear about the value of using everyday items to support their children’s learning.

Examples of items that could be used to stimulate play.

Photo 1 – Resources used to stimulate play

Photo 2 – Resources used to stimulate play

Please contact me if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas on 06 349 6352 or email jann.marshall@education.govt.nz

Ngā mihi
Jann Marshall
Director of Education
Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu

Wellington

Engaging Priority Families Regional Hui

Staff from Engaging Priority Families (EPF) teams travelled from as far as Waitara, Whanganui and Levin to attend the annual 2 day EPF regional hui on 25 and 26 March in Naenae, Lower Hutt.

The EPF initiative aims to increase the number of 3 and 4 year old children achieving early learning foundations, including early literacy and numeracy prior to school or kura. The initiative focuses on Māori and Pasifika families and whānau from low socio-economic areas, in the most vulnerable situations, whose children are not participating in early childhood education (ECE).

Four providers across the Wellington and Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu regions came together for the hui: Aotea Associated Consultants (focused in Waitara), He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association Incorporated (parts of Porirua), Nākū Ēnei Tamariki (parts of Lower Hutt), Te Rūnanga o Raukawa (in Levin and parts of Horowhenua).

The 2 day programme was hosted by Ministry of Education ECE staff from both the Wellington and Taranaki/Whanganui/Manawatu regions. Presentations included:

• Workforce Safety Checking and Child Protection Policies, presented by Richard D’Arth (Lead Advisor) and Pat Hancock (Palmerston North Area Commander) from the Children’s Action Plan Directorate
• Te Kura’s key role in supporting the EPF teams to provide whānau and their children with early learning opportunities, presented by Jenny Hayes (Manager - ECE) and colleagues from Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu - The Correspondence School
• An overview and the latest ECE participation statistics, presented by Elspeth Maxwell (Manager Education) and Carlee Simmonds (Lead Advisor), Ministry of Education
• Results Based Accountability (RBA) reporting, presented by Shelley Hancock, Senior Manager Procurement, Ministry of Education.

Providers gave presentations about their work in raising ECE participation and what they are doing in their communities to transform lives through enabling families to realise the collective potential that exists within them and their children.

EPF providers also workshopped the RBA reporting framework. Seven performance accountability questions were asked.

1. Who are our clients?
2. How can we measure if our clients are better off?
3. How can we measure if we are delivering our services well?
4. How are we doing on the most important of these measures?
5. Who are the partners that have a role to play in doing better?
6. What is working but we could do better, including no-cost and low cost ideas?
7. What do we propose to do?

Feedback from EPF providers at the end of the hui illustrated both how useful the session working through RBA was and their sense that the Ministry is taking account of what is being reported as happening “at the grassroots”.

It was clear just how important it is that the Ministry has a genuine partnership with its providers, that narratives have an important place across shared measures, and that the Ministry is interested not only in report monitoring, but also in seeing how providers have found their own way towards quality, effectiveness and enabling educational pathways.

An enthusiastic proponent of results-based accountability Shelley Hancock said, “Working in this way means we are able to evolve and change what we do, if necessary.”

Attendees at the EPF regional hui in Lower Hutt

Front row: (from left) Deborah Leaupepe (MOE), Joy Sipeli (MOE), Kaya Grace (with baby Isla) (MOE), Betty Anderson (Aotea Associated Consultants), Jayme Bishop (Te Rūnanga o Raukawa), Teresa Letoa (Nākū Ēnei Tamariki), Tiahuia Abraham (Aotea Associated Consultants), Moana Solomon (MOE), Laree Taula (MOE).

Back row: (from left) Danny Mareko (Whānau Manaaki), Junior Maepu (Nāku Ēnei Tamariki), Kerry Dougall (Nāku Ēnei Tamariki), Tania Anderson (MOE), Donna Amato (Nāku Ēnei Tamariki)

Photographer: Doreen McKenzie (MOE).

Absent: Caroline Leota, (Whānau Manaaki), Makareta Moffat (Te Rūnanga o Raukawa).

Reminder Wellington Anzac Street Parade Friday 24 April: road closures, bus stop and schedule changes

Road closures will be in place in the CBD between 11am and 3pm on 24 April. The route along Lambton Quay, Willis St, Wakefield St and Taranaki St will close these roads and their surrounding side streets. There will be no parking on these streets from 2am, and parked cars may be towed.

Due to the road closures, regular public bus timetables and routes will be affected – please check www.metlink.co.nz or call 0800 801 700 for more detailed information. Afternoon school bus services will run as usual but there may be delays due to traffic.

For updates on the parade, you can contact Wellington City Council on 04 499 4444.

Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast

Kia Kaha Tuatara

Approximately 40 teachers from 8 Nelson early childhood education centres, together with Ministry staff, recently attended a special hui at Whakatū Marae. The hui was facilitated by Ngāti Koata as part of a Strengthening Early Learning Opportunities (SELO) contract to support the centres to become more culturally responsive to Māori children and their whānau.

A pōwhiri set the scene for the day. The history and significance of the marae and whare were explained, and Ngāti Koata whānau shared several of their stories and waiata. A highlight of the day was an encounter with one of Ngāti Koata’s taonga – the tuatara.

This experience has strengthened our knowledge and understanding of the unique place of Ngāti Koata as one of the nine iwi in our area.

Kia kaha tuatara (the whakatauki for the day) – Stay strong; give it a go with a can-do attitude!

Chance to Apply for Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP) grant

Talofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni sa bula, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Talofa ni, Kia orana, Greetings, Tēnā koutou katoa

We have an opportunity to increase the participation of Pasifika children in early childhood education (ECE) in the Blenheim region through the Targeted Assistance for Participation (TAP) 3 fund.

We are seeking proposals for the provision of extra ECE places that respond to the identity, language and culture of the increasing population of Pasifika families in Blenheim.

If you are interested in applying for a TAP3 grant you can find more information on the Government Electronic Tenders Service website. The closing date for tenders is 13 May 2015.

If you have any queries please contact Julie Crosswell, Senior Advisor ECE, email: julie.crosswell@minedu.govt.nz phone: 03 471 5218.

Canterbury

Kia ora

What a great first term it has been in Canterbury. It was wonderful to see so many of our children, teachers, whānau and colleagues involved in Te Matatini Kapa Haka Festival. We hosted the Minister of Education in Christchurch, where she attended the Festival and visited schools and tertiary providers.

As a Ministry we are focused on connecting with you and collaborating to ensure we continue to deliver the support you need to lift achievement for all children. There are so many ways we work together. Attending sector events is one way in which we can build relationships and work in a very complementary and practical way.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns as we always appreciate hearing from you.

Mā te wā
Coralanne Child
Director of Education for Canterbury

Ministry participation initiatives in Canterbury

The Ministry of Education is currently advertising 2 contracts to respond to increased need for the participation of Pasifika children in early childhood education (ECE) in Canterbury.

The first contract is for the establishment of a pan-Pasifika all-day ECE service on Crown-owned land in Hornby with up to 50 child places. The service will celebrate and represent many Pasifika nations, and it is expected that members of the Pasifika community will be involved in shaping the service and guiding the day-to-day running of the centre. The request for proposals for this contract closes on 8 May 2015.

The second contract is to create ECE places for Pasifika children in Ashburton, specifically in Netherby and surrounding areas. The intention of the contract is to provide 10–20 new ECE child places that respond to the identity, language and culture of the increased population of Pasifika families in the area. The request for proposals for this contract closes on 13 May 2015.

Details of both contracts can be found on the Government Electronic Tenders Service.

If you are interested in either of these opportunities and wish to clarify any aspect of them, please contact Paul Habinshuti, Senior Advisor ECE by email paul.habinshuti@minedu.govt.nz or phone 03 378 7522.

Early childhood education services celebrate new buildings

Since the beginning of the year, several newly built or rebuilt ECE services have celebrated the opening of their centres. These include the new Kidsfirst Diamond Harbour Early Learning Centre on the grounds of Diamond Harbour School; a rebuilt centre for Banks Peninsula Plunket Community Preschool, which is now located on the grounds of Duvauchelle School; and a rebuilt Educational Child Care Centre on the service’s original Gayhurst Road site, following a temporary relocation in the old Hammersley Park school.

The newly built Banks Peninsula Plunket Community Preschool

The Banks Peninsula community is really excited about the new centre as the number of children who can enrol has increased and includes places for 10 under two-year-old children. There is a lovely large outdoor area, including a deck with a view to the Duvauchelle golf course.

Additionally, Bishopdale Community Preschool recently saw the first digger arrive at their new permanent site at Breens Intermediate School. After two years of fund raising, the Bishopdale community looks forward to the new centre, which is expected to be complete in spring this year.

The Christchurch ECE sector greatly appreciates the relationships it has built with schools, which have resulted in some of these services being located on school land.

Playgroup news

Kia ora

I’m Lou Hardham. I am an advisor to playgroups in the Canterbury region. I have been with the Ministry for nearly seven years and with the Early Childhood Education team for four. If you have any questions about playgroups you can email me at louise.hardham@education.govt.nz or phone 03 378 7886.

New playgroup

Congratulations to RBC Mainly Music Playgroup, which became certificated on an interim certificate on 1 April. This fantastic, busy playgroup, located in Riccarton, is very multi-cultural with the families attending originally from Korea, China, Japan, Denmark, India and the UK. The group has grown so much that they are already considering putting on another session in the week. I look forward to supporting them to become fully certificated this year.

Play ideas

Don’t forget the Ministry has many resources available with great play ideas for playgroups.

This information can be downloaded at www.education.govt.nz.

Collaborative initiatives making a difference: Hereora Youth Leadership Hui

It was a great start to the year for students from the Hereora Cluster, who were so enthusiastic and engaged in discussions and tasks during the Hereora Youth Leadership Hui held on Thursday 26 February. The youth leaders from Burnside High School did a fantastic job of facilitating their groups, keeping the other leaders on task and ensuring quality discussions around the theme ‘What it means to be extraordinary’.

The morning leadership workshops were all about building leadership capabilities with the key focus on being extraordinary leaders. Students first identified the qualities of extraordinary leaders/citizens and then focused on the key qualities they might need to develop further – both individually or as a group of leaders.

It was great to see the different schools, early childhood education (ECE) centres and age groups mixing and working effectively together. This included children from Bishopdale Community Preschool and Kidsfirst Kindergarten Isleworth who, after listening to a story about a sheep called Beau who has extraordinary characteristics, brainstormed and documented their own extraordinary leadership characteristics. “I’m a good listener and I have a good memory,” one child said as she completed a digital collage of her own positive traits.

Back in their own ECE settings, the children enjoyed sharing their profiles with others, including their family/whānau. These children are readying themselves for transitioning to school and taking on larger responsibilities for their own learning. The child quoted above sets herself learning tasks each day and has become a competent reader. She is also enjoying the role of teacher helper and will share her reading with other tamariki at mat time.

The Hereora Learning Community Cluster appreciated the team of adults that helped out on the day, which included teachers and youth workers. There were 80 youth leaders from across ECE, primary, intermediate and high school.

The hui was a wonderful opportunity for young ECE leaders to connect with the next step in their learning journey in a school setting and be mentored by their more experienced peers.

Otago, Southland

Early Childhood Education Input into Otago/Southland Regional Cross-Sector Forum

Kia ora koutou and warm Pasifika greetings

I hope you all enjoyed some time with family and friends over the Easter break after a busy start to the year.

On Tuesday 31 March we held the first Regional Cross-Sector Forum for the Otago/Southland region. Penelope Pask, Assistant Director of the Dunedin Community Childcare Association, and Julie Craig, General Manager of the Oamaru Kindergarten Association, represented ECE at the meeting. The Regional Forum followed a National Forum on 13 March.

The purpose of the forums is to bring together sector leaders from across the education system to share information and to advise on the educational work programme that supports the Minister of Education’s 2015 priorities.

The 5 priorities are:

• Implementing Investing in Educational Success (IES)
• Strengthening inclusive practice (including an update of Special Education)
• Strengthening 21st century practice for quality teaching and learning
• Reviewing the Education Act 1989; and
• Reviewing the funding systems for ECE and schooling.

As part of the IES initiative, the groups discussed the importance of ECE in linking with Communities of Learning and in transitions to school. The work of the Ministry’s Early Learning Taskforce in supporting engagement in ECE and the importance of a focus on support for quality provisions was also raised at the forum. There will be 3 more national and regional forums this year.

Traumatic Incident Workshop

We delivered very successful Traumatic Incident workshops in Otago. Another one is being held in Southland on 5 May 2015.

The workshops offer an opportunity for ECE services to learn more about the support the Ministry provides and to update emergency procedures to ensure services can respond appropriately to a traumatic incident. Details of the workshops were sent to licensed services before Easter.

If you are interested in attending a workshop or want more information please contact Karen Hurst at our Dunedin Office: karen.hurst@minedu.govt.nz.

Please contact me if you wish to discuss any issues or ideas. I look forward to hearing from you and would be pleased to visit your ECE services and playgroups.

Ngā mihi mahana

Julie
Email: julie.anderson@minedu.govt.nz
Direct dial: 03 471 5217
Cell phone: 027 836 4846