ERO Early Childhood Services Akarangi| Quality Report: Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre

Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre is a privately owned education and care service. This service sits adjacent to Cherry Grove@101 and children transition between both services. A separate family centre provides services and support for whānau and children, including facilitating collaboration with external community agencies.
Summary of findings
​Children lead their own learning in a play-based curriculum consistent with Te Whāriki, the New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum. Kaiako interactions with children are language rich and responsive to verbal and non-verbal cues. Children’s learning and social competence is supported in small groups sizes, with opportunities for exploration and curiosity. Tuakana teina relationships are nurtured and are intentionally promoted within the large, interesting and well-designed playground. Children show independence as capable and competent learners.
Children’s interests are deliberately followed through responsive teaching. Assessment recognises children’s efforts, challenges and successes and considers parent and whānau aspirations. Some te reo and tikanga Māori practices were observed in practice and in assessment. Leaders have identified that building kaiako knowledge and cultural competence is required to support Māori children’s success. Priorities for children’s learning are not yet consistently identified through evaluation of their progress and ongoing planning.
Positive outcomes for children are promoted through reciprocal relationships between staff, children, whānau and the wider community. A focus on building kaiako capability supports consistent practice across the service.
Relational trust at every level supports collaboration and openness to change and improvement. New knowledge is shared effectively within the service and the wider education community. Leaders and kaiako have opportunities to engage in professional learning and development. Mentoring and coaching is building knowledge and use of evaluation and inquiry. Leaders foster a shared understanding of the service philosophy, vision, goals and priorities for children’s learning.
​Wellbeing and learning outcomes for children and whānau are promoted by effective systems and processes. Structural conditions further support quality education and care for children. Cherry Grove’s family centre further contributes to positive social and community outcomes.
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​Date of this report: 12 July 2021