To the Parents and Community of Kai Iwi School

This supplementary review evaluates the quality of education received by students and the performance of the Board of Trustees in relation to specific terms of reference.

The Education Review Office [ERO] evaluation of Kai Iwi School follows.

Kai Iwi School is a full primary school situated north west of Wanganui.  Students are enrolled from the surrounding rural area and from Wanganui city.  At the beginning of 2006, a marked roll turnover occurred.  About one third of the eighty‑seven students are new.

Recent grounds redevelopment, including a large court area, has improved students’ recreational facilities.  A new classroom is currently under construction that will provide a modern environment for student learning.

Students interact positively and respectfully with adults and their peers.  They participate in relevant learning programmes in well-resourced and stimulating classrooms.  Staff work as a team to assist students to develop as motivated, independent and successful ‘Kai Iwi learners’.

This Supplementary Review report acknowledges the considerable progress made by the board and staff to address the issues raised in the April 2005 ERO report.  Such issues related to governance, staff performance management, self review and aspects of curriculum management.

Following confirmation of the previous ERO report, trustees participated in a post review assistance workshop that resulted in the documentation of a comprehensive action plan.  The board enlisted help from the Ministry of Education to assist them to systematically work through the action plan.  

Trustees demonstrate an improved awareness and capability in their governance roles.  Through community consultation, a relevant school charter and strategic plan have been developed.  Self-review processes clearly underpin board and school operations. 

Teachers collaboratively developed schoolwide curriculum guidelines to direct planning and assessment processes.  These guidelines provide cohesive and progressive learning programmes for students in all curriculum areas.  Teachers regularly assess student achievement and progress within classrooms.  The board is developing its capability to use relevant collated student achievement information for charter target setting and schoolwide strategic planning.

Teacher and principal performance management procedures require further refinement to ensure they are robust and comply with all requirements.

The board has developed and implemented improved health and safety procedures.  Regular checks are carried out to identify, eliminate or minimise hazards.  Student wellbeing is paramount. 

Areas for further improvement are identified in this ERO report.  However, the board and staff are well placed to continue the progress made to improve school operations and to raise student achievement.

Future Action

ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report.

ERO will review the school again as part of the regular review cycle.

When ERO has reviewed a school we encourage boards to inform their community of any follow-up action they plan to do.  You should talk to the board or principal if you have any questions about this evaluation, the full ERO report or their future intentions.

If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO website, http://www.ero.govt.nz.

Diana Anderson

Area Manager

for Chief Review Officer