Making our lunch Garden to table circular philosophy PLEASE SHARE THIS MAGAZINE! If you know anyone who would like to read the interesting and informative articles in Swings & Roundabouts, pass it on! ISSN 1179-688X (Print) • ISSN 1179-7517 (Online) PO Box 5649, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145 SPRING 2023 2023 ECC Conference Highlights Read ECC's CEO Message 20 hours vs childcare rebate Early Learning Policy Debate
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Inside this issue... Editor Trudi Sutcliffe Editorial Enquiries publications@ecc.org.nz Advertising Enquiries Catherine Norton Waterford Press Ltd PO Box 37346, Christchurch, New Zealand. Phone: 03 983 5526 Email: catherine@waterfordpress.co.nz www.waterfordpress.co.nz Production Co-ordinator Luke Lynch Content Co-ordinator Lyn Barlow Graphic Designers Liki Udam & Anton Gray Subscription Enquiries Early Childhood Council PO Box 5649, Lambton Quay, Wellington 6145 Phone: 0800 742 742 Email: admin@ecc.org.nz www.ecc.org.nz DISCLAIMER: A cancellation fee of 25% may be charged if the booking is cancelled after the sales cut off date. Your Media Consultant will be able to provide that information if you are not aware of it. Applications for advertising in Swings & Roundabouts will be considered from the following: 1) Early childhood centres and/or their associated management groups that are members of the Early Childhood Council. 2) Trade and service suppliers to the early childhood industry. 3) Government and not-for-profit organisations. Please note: Some industries may be restricted due to exclusive arrangements with the Early Childhood Council. Please note: We do not accept advertisements for staff vacancies. All advertising content is at the sole discretion of the editor. All advertising will be at the rates determined by Waterford Press Ltd. Swings & Roundabouts is produced by the Early Childhood Council and is sent free of charge to all independent early childhood centres in New Zealand. The information contained in Swings & Roundabouts is of a general nature only. Readers should not act on the basis of the information it contains without seeking advice for their own specific circumstances. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the view of the Early Childhood Council Incorporated. All content in this magazine is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the editor. Swings & Roundabouts is published quarterly for the Early Childhood Council by Waterford Press Ltd. 7 From the editor 8 CEO’s Message 11 ECC CONFERENCE 2023 HIGHLIGHTS 14 ECC CONFERENCE 2023: Early Learning Policy Debate 16 ECC UPDATE 18 SO YOU KNOW 19 Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori 20 Centre Profile: Ruru House 24 Decision Fatigue 28 Twelve questions you can’t ignore! 30 Making our lunch 32 Garden ideas to supplement your menu 34 Utilising interns 36 ECC Preferred Supplier Programme 40 Resource Reviews 44 Last laugh August 2023 { 5 }
Insider information and advice to keep you safe, viable and compliant Discounted professional development workshops and webinars Preferred supplier discounts and offers Advocacy on your behalf when you need it Latest news and insights Tools and templates PROMOTING HIGH QUALITY ECE AND SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT CENTRES IN NEW ZEALAND ECC Members receive: "We really appreciate the support and advocacy the ECC provides us. Our membership is highly valuable to us." "Extremely supportive when starting up as a centre owner. So helpful to have all the tools, professional development and information readily available." www.ecc.org.nz 0800 742 742 admin@ecc.org.nz JOIN TODAY! "It is a great piece of mind as a stand alone centre to have ECC as a resource to us."
FROM THE Editor Ko au te taiao, ko te taiao ko au. I am nature, and nature is me. Kia ora koutou, The above quote refers to the interconnection of people and nature. It’s an eternal relationship of respect, reciprocity and interdependence. This is a simple and beautiful whakataukī that tamariki can easily learn and recite. It also connects to several articles in this Spring issue of Swings & Roundabouts. This issue the CEO Message on page 8 has a focus on comparing Labour’s extension of 20 Hours ECE to two year olds and National’s Family Boost tax rebate. As we head toward this year’s election it’s important to understand the myriad of issues facing our profession right now and how what happens on election night may affect the early childhood sector from our kaiako, our centres to our whānau. With only National’s Spokesperson on Early Childhood Education, Penny Simmonds and ACT’s leader David Seymour turning up for the ECC Conference Political Debate, attendees received a good insight into what a National / ACT coalition could look like should the government change on 14th October. Read more on page 14. Recently, the ECC held their popular conference in Wellington, with a focus on ‘Striving for Excellence’. The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how well they felt connected to others and the wealth of knowledge they gathered during this time. Read the conference highlights from page 10. Next year’s ECC conference will be in Christchurch, 9th - 10th August – make sure you book your early bird registrations and save! From page 20, Swings & Roundabouts profiles Ruru House, an early learning centre in the rural village of Lepperton, a 15 minutes’ drive from New Plymouth. Ruru House is nestled in nature on family land and offers a strong sense of kaitiakitanga and wairuatanga to its community. Read and be inspired. Page 24 offers some strategies kaiako can use to combat and avoid decision fatigue in children. Readers may find some of this advice works for them also! On page 30 is another example of an early learning centre connecting to our whenua. Toybox on Rawhiti has a garden to table and back to garden philosophy, where tamariki help make their dinner with some of the kai coming from their garden. If you are wondering how engaged and happy your staff are, try asking the questions suggested in The twelve questions you can't afford to ignore! on page 28. You may be surprised! With a shortage of kaiako in the early learning sector, some centres are using interns to counter some of their staffing issues. To find out more go to page 34. If you are an ECC member or considering becoming a member, head to page 36 for the ECC Preferred Supplier programme. These preferred suppliers provide ECC members with the opportunity to save dollars through discounted rates and high quality consultation. Thank you to all our spring contributors. Ngā mihi Trudi Sutcliffe Editor August 2023 { 7 }
our leaders feel confident, engaged and empowered. I think we spend too long focusing on challenges and not enough time celebrating our successes or giving positive feedback to others – to help create that positive MESSAGE CEO's • Why in-person conferences are essential for our leaders • How do we cut through all the red tape and get better ECE policies • Which is better – 20 Hours ECE or Family Boost? ECC as an organisation is vibrant, strong, focused on its future and making children’s futures brighter. Sound like spin? Well it’s not. We recently had our national ECC conference called 'Striving for Excellence'. It was in Wellington in late July. Despite the recession impacting on the number of delegates we hoped for, those who attended, over 500 people, got a massive treat. In the new state-of-the-art conference facility, Tākina, we presented a huge line up of inspirational keynote speakers, skilled workshop presenters and had a massive trade exhibition. Our keynotes included the world-famous (in the international childcare/ECE sector) Kris Murray (see photo). It was striking to hear Kris share some of her insights – about being clear about what distinguishes your centre or service from others and the importance of every centre or service having a firm grip on its own financial performance. The parallels between ECE in the USA and New Zealand amazed me. My bias or expectation was to see differences, so I was pleasantly disappointed. Of course parents in USA pay some of the highest fees for childcare services worldwide, but the industry continues to perform well. Kris reminded us that ECE is a competitive business, even if you are owned by a charity or community-based provider and that this is a fact and it’s ok. Kris also recognised the risks our people are taking every day – having the responsibility of caring for thousands of children across New Zealand is a big job. Kris set a “can-do” and upbeat tone for the conference and helped August 2023 { 8 }
feedback loop we all need to lift us out of survival-mode and into something more like thriving mode – where we enable higher performance. I sincerely thank everyone who attended the conference for being part of it – and if you were supported to attend by your employer or someone else, please ensure you pass on your appreciation to them. Conference attendance implicitly gives people permission to step out of their regular busy roles to come together to learn, connect and collaborate. The costs may seem high but the benefits make it worthwhile. I observed so many synergies at the conference between people wearing “different hats” - owners, centre managers and people leading or in teaching teams. I know SOME people think that being an ECE teacher is awful and owning a centre is financially disadvantageous – but that is not our story or the story we want to be telling in the future. The real story is that our people are (for the most part) running vibrant businesses or community organisations, and their leadership is strong and focused on making children’s futures brighter. I say 'move over' to all of those challenges! New Zealand goes to the polls on Saturday 14 October 2023. An election is our democratic method of expressing confidence in the direction of an incumbent government but also it’s a selection process where the voters get limited options for choosing the seeds of success for that new government. Ahead of this year’s election (for the next three years) ECC is releasing its Policy Manifesto. While ECC is the organisation that many ECE operators join to help keep them ahead of the constant policy, regulation and funding challenges, we also have proactive work underway to help make ECE better and stop the current trend of services closing. Please check out our manifesto ideas and if there are things you like – share them with your political parties of choice. ECC is politically neutral. How are voters going to choose between Labour’s extension of 20 Hours ECE to two year olds or National’s Family Boost tax rebate? August 2023 { 9 }
20 HOURS ECE FOR TWO YEAR OLDS FAMILY BOOST CHILDCARE TAX REBATE HOWDOES ITWORK ? ECE services already offer 20 Hours ECE but only for children aged three or older. Two year olds would currently have fewer places available and have very high fees. Changing the starting age makes lots of children eligible who wouldn’t have been. 20 Hours ECE is funded at the highest rates for services. A tax rebate will be paid fortnightly to parents to a maximum of $75 per week. It will be income-tested (based on combined family income). The maximum weekly rebates are: • Up to $140k - $75 per week • $150k - $56.25 per week • $160k - $37.50 per week • $170k - $18.75 per week. In addition the family needs to have childcare costs to claim rebates. HOWMUCHWOULD IT SAVE FAMILIES ? $133 per week per 2 year old No additional savings for families with children over 2 years old • Up to $75 per week per family (if $300 in childcare costs) • Up to $50 per week per family (if $200 in childcare costs) • Up to $25 per week per family (if $100 in childcare costs) This applies irrespective of the age of the child. DOES IT HELP FAMILIES ? Yes, more places for 2 year olds should become available in the medium-longer term, with lower fees. Approximately 80% of households with a child under five will be eligible for some support. It means families could afford to attend for longer than before. Potentially gaining an additional day’s ECE or making the saving. DOES IT HELP SERVICES ? Services in Auckland experiencing low demand may see renewed interest in ECE. Demand will tend to increase nationally as measured by funded child hours for 2 years per week. However, in the short and medium term the ability of services to offer more hours will be constrained by the teacher shortage. Applies to children of all ages but is a weaker financial incentive to families if you compare the savings to families (younger families with more children benefit less with Family Boost). The same types of benefits apply as the 20 Hours ECE extension to 2 year olds but at weaker levels - so behaviour changes like ECE services offering more places and lowering fees will be slight and harder to measure (as changes across all age groups may not show up noticeably based on participation changes). CAVEATS 20 Hours ECE may no longer be covering service costs fully. It was meant to achieve this "on average" but sector leaders are concerned that the average' service is not an average service that parents actually want anymore (offering only 6 hours per day). Government policy settings and funding rates have not kept up over time (the original policy was announced in 2007). Unfortunately, we do not get both initiatives! The Family Boost policy is not on top of the extension of 20 Hours ECE to 2 year olds - it would be instead of that. More information? https://bit.ly/47roNnG https://www.national.org.nz/familyboost LINK for parents: https://bit.ly/3Kuv0Fx * 20 Hours ECE has always had a rule that prevented services from charging fees for those first 20 hours per week; the unworkable condition was to allow parents to only enrol children for 20 hours per week (at six hours max per day); this could leave ECE centres with no way to cover the additional teacher (and other) costs they have that government doesn’t fund for.Many enrolments are for more than 20 hours and fees are charged for those additional hours. Without additional hours there would be no way to recover those other unfunded costs. Based on currently available information, see ECC’s assessment for voters, taxpayers, parents, teachers and service operators below - As of 16 August 2023. August 2023 { 10 }
ECC Conference 2023 Highlights DAY ZERO ECC began the weekend with a Networking Event exclusively for members. Nicholas Pole, CEO/CRO of the Education Review Office (ERO) took the time to address our members and take on feedback for ERO’s strategic goals. Centre tours took guests around 3 of Wellington’s best centres; The Park ELC, Tiny Voices and Capital Kids Co-operative. The group was amazed by the passion and hard work that went in to making these learning environments incredible for tamariki. The ECC Conference took place over the 21st and 22nd of July, at the Tākina Convention Centre in Wellington, bringing together over 500 attendees from the sector! DAY ONE Conference started off with a bang when international speaker Kris Murray burst on to stage. Immediately, she got delegates out of their chairs to celebrate our wins together, learn how to overcome challenges and adopt a growth mindset to help them succeed. Allison Mooney charmed us with her humour and taught people skills which were essential to have in your career. Max Rashbrooke took the stage to discuss how we build a political consensus on child wellbeing in New Zealand, sending a message to all political parties. It was the perfect lead in to our Early Learning Policy Debate. Penny Simmonds (National Party) and David Seymour (ACT Party) went head to head discussing the future of ECE under their party policies. Read more on page 14. Always great to come together as a sector; meet new people, have time to connect with your own team, gather new information or affirm existing knowledge; lots of fun and positivity; very refreshing! Both days were so positive and invigorating with lots of actions to take away and implement. The time really flew and I could have done another day - the two days were so inspiring! August 2023 { 11 }
WELCOME RECEPTION ECC celebrated the start of a great conference with our Welcome Reception, bringing together all delegates, speakers, exhibitors and even the politicians! The night was full of laughter and cheer, as everyone reflected on an exciting opening day. It was a fantastic conference to attend and I have walked away with a lot of new knowledge. I loved the whanaungatanga and connectedness of everyone - lots of passionate ECE kaiako and lots of collaboration DAY TWO Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier opened day two of the conference to inform attendees on the role of the Ombudsman; within ECC and other organisations; how we can ensure transparency, accountability and fairness within agencies like MOE, ERO and Oranga Tamariki. Next up on the stage was Sue Cherrington, who delved in to her research on Sustained Shared Thinking and how we can deepen the learning of our tamariki. Robert Aitken closed off the conference with his keynote; which investigated the role of identity. The heart of the conference lay in the selection of workshops and breakout sessions. Delegates chose between a variety of topics from five streams tailored to owners, managers and teachers. The handson approach and interactive nature of these sessions enriched our understanding and equipped us with practical tools to elevate our personal and professional careers. GALA DINNER Guests arrived in all their glitz and glam, relishing each and every photo opportunity as they walked down the red carpet. An incredible three course dinner was served to guests, and it didn’t take long before the dance floor was filled and everyone was able to let loose. The conference offered a unique platform for networking and learning across the sector. Engaging with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds and experiences was the true highlight of the event. It’s safe to say that the conference ‘Striving for Excellence’ was a great success and will leave a lasting impact on all attendees. As we return to our workplaces, we carry with us newfound knowledge, motivation, and determination to make a difference in the lives of our young learners. Missed out on the action or want to come back for more? Join us for the ECC Conference 2024 as we head down south to Ōtautahi / Christchurch. August 2023 { 12 }
9 - 10 AUGUST Te Pae Convention Centre Ōtautahi / Christchurch SUCCESS THROUGH WELLBEING Conference 2024 Anton Matthews SPEAKER Dr. Lucy Hone SPEAKER Matt Brown SPEAKER Gemma McCaw SPEAKER Dr. Jin Russell SPEAKER Shamubeel Eaqub SPEAKER For more information visit: ecc.org.nz/conference Calling all ECE owners, managers and teachers! Enjoy a fantastic line up of keynote speakers, workshops, centre tours and gala dinner! FEATURING
Appearing between economist Max Rashbrooke’s informed presentation on inequality in New Zealand and the conference cocktail hour, the politicians had a hard job ahead of them to keep their audience engaged. It seems the anticipation of such a job was so harrowing that Labour, the Green Party and Te Pāti Māori didn’t even turn up. Their absence was so noted, that Wellington’s newspaper, The Post wrote a small article questioning why these parties did not want a chance to present their parties’ position to over 500 delegates. Instead conference attendees got a good insight into what a National / ACT coalition would look like should the government change on 14 October. Between them, National’s Spokesperson on Early Childhood Education, Penny Simmonds and ACT’s leader David Seymour demonstrated detailed understanding of the sector, the challenges on early childhood educators and were realistic on what could be achieved. Panellists had been given a heads up on a couple of questions, with the rest coming from the audience. Acknowledging the approximately 300 regulations early childhood centres must adhere to before they can even open the doors, the ECC Conference 2023: Early Learning Policy Debate By Brigitte Morten politicians were asked what regulation they would commit to removing in their first 100 days. Simmonds and Seymour were in agreement that this question was too hard. They couldn’t commit to just one. Both said they would cancel network management, which was introduced earlier this year to manage the supply of early childhood centres. Simmonds said she believed the scheme was protecting poor performers and not allowing good quality entrants to the industry. Seymour related the scheme to the Muldoon government era where you needed a licence to manufacture bubble wrap – a ridiculous overreach by government. In their commitment to removing Fair Pay agreements, Simmonds promised all Fair Pay agreements would be gone in the first 100 days, even those currently underway like the early childhood sector agreement. Seymour went a step further and promised within 99 days. Joining the hit list of regulations were food audits, published financial reports, the 6 hour rule and nappy cream restrictions. One of the puzzling aspects of Labour’s failure to turn up for the panel was that just two months ago early childhood dominated the Budget 23 headlines with the extension of the free 20 hours. But what might have dampened their post-Budget glow was the strong feedback from the sector that the different conditions on this funding make it impossible to implement. So the politicians were asked what they would do to ensure the sector is listened to and a situation like the 20 hours announcement doesn’t happen again. Seymour drew on his experience as the former Parliamentary under Secretary for Education and emphasised the importance of talking directly to the sector, rather than waiting on a sanitised report from the Ministry of Education. Simmonds committed to engaging more with the Early Childhood Advisory Committee, a group of sector experts who currently meet with the Ministry. Both politicians were careful in managing expectations about more funding for early childhood. Seymour argued that if we were a wealthy country, that would be nice to have, but at the moment we were not. He went on to congratulate Simmonds for her honesty when she articulated that ECE funding was in a state of transition and not one that could be properly examined until they were in Government. ACT's leader David Seymour and National's Spokesperson on Early Childhood Education, Penny Simmonds demonstrated detailed understanding of the sector. The session was moderated by Brigitte Morten. August 2023 { 14 }
Questions from the audience included a concerning story of a centre that was struggling to get support for a high needs child. This child had caused another child to be hospitalised. Despite MOE’s assessment that the child needed fulltime support, they were only offering eight hours of funding. Combined with the fact there is a three month wait for learning support assessment, this centre asked what they could possibly do. Both politicians stated they were seriously looking at this issue but made little commitment to what solutions they would present. Pressed on how this wasn’t just a funding issue but a shortage of qualified early intervention assessors and teachers, both argued the short term solution was adjusting immigration settings to attract more of the skilled workforce to New Zealand. Simmonds went on to express support for Pay Parity but cautioned that this had to be achieved differently to how it was now, recognising the value of keeping experienced teachers in centres. Similarly, when challenged on how small rural centres with small numbers could be more sustainable, Simmonds expressed support but was cautious that additional funding could be made available. Seymour had a more market based approach, relying on demand in small centres to provide the correct level of staffing. In Max Rashbrooke’s presentation he said if he had the opportunity to ask the politicians anything, we wanted to know what they will do on child poverty, particularly their plans for the child poverty targets introduced by former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Recognising that the sector is often at the forefront of the effects of disadvantage, this was put to the panel. Possibly unexpectedly from the parties on the right of politics, both committed to keeping them in some form. Simmonds stated National would retain the Child Poverty Reduction Act and change some of the targets. Seymour also acknowledged the importance of the targets but wanted more focus on the measures that looked at actual disadvantage (like living in warm homes) than the measures that just pegged poverty against the wealth outcomes for the country. Whilst absent, the Green Party’s Child Policy and Education policy are available online and focuses on all ECEs having policies and practices to ensure inclusive environments. Te Pāti Māori's Education Policy does not have a specific ECE focus but promises About the author Brigitte Morten is a Director at Franks Ogilvie, and admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court. She works extensively in the private sector and particularly enjoys working with member-based organisations. She is also a regular commentator for RNZ and Newshub and writes weekly columns for NBR. significant increases in support for kaupapa Māori education. National, ACT and Labour have not yet released, or promised to release, dedicated policies on early childhood. A few days before the conference, the TV programme, Paddy Gower Has Issues, included commentary that some early childhood centres were “state funded child abuse”. There was no support for that statement in the room. And, at least from those that turned up, those politicians viewed the sector as a valuable part of the education sector. August 2023 { 15 }
Who is the ECC Executive The ECC recently held their AGM on the 20th July 2023 at the Copthorne Hotel in Wellington. This included the appointment of two Officers to the Executive Committee and the election of one newly elected and two re-elected Executive members. The current ECC Executive includes: • Dr Darius Singh (President) • Michelle Bosch (Vice-President) • Lonnie Parker (Treasurer) • Dianna Jenkinson (Secretary) • Fitu Ah-Young (Executive Member) • Aimee Hawke (Executive Member) • Annabel Sloss (Executive Member) • Emma Norrie (Executive Member) ECC Update ECC Update Nau mai, haere mai The Early Childhood Council (ECC) warmly welcomes the following early learning centres who recently joined the ECC: ● Kerikeri Community Childcare Trust, Kerikeri ● Remarkable Start Early Learning, Queenstown ● Kids Count, Auckland ● Haumia Early Childhood Centre, Auckland ● Te Pākārito, Rotorua ● Matariki Early Childhood Centre, Whakatāne ● Maraekakaho Early Childhood Centre, Maraekakaho ● Swannanoa Preschool, Rangiora ● City Heights Childcare, Dunedin ECC APP LAUNCHED The ECC recently launched a new app for their members. The app brings some of the benefits of being an ECC member to your fingertips. Along with access to the ECC Preferred Suppliers the App also includes access to a large line up of new discounts, which you can also share with all your employees. The ECC has signed a Preferred Supplier Agreement with CSC Buying Group to make this possible. Go to page 27 to find out more about these fantastic savings for both your centre, yourself and your staff. The app also allows you to register for upcoming events, contact the ECC's financial and employment advice helplines directly and see the latest ECC news. It’s really easy to install but you do need your membership number. If you have any questions, issues or feedback on the app please contact Ingrid (ingrid.crispin@ecc.org.nz). ECC-Rubiix Lunch'n'Learn Webinars Have you taken advantage of the ECC - Rubiix Lunch'n'Learn Webinars yet? They are FREE for all ECC members. These helpful informationsharing webinars are an opportunity for member centre managers to get valuable information inside half-an-hour on an important single topic relating to the management of a childcare centre. ECC members get a chance to nominate the topics that are relevant and important to you. The ECC will then select the most popular topics and present simple, easy-to-understand information in response to your queries. Recent webinars include: ENGAGE programme ENGAGE develops children’s self-regulation skills through intentional play – with skills and games grouped into three domains: emotional (feeling), cognitive (thinking) and behavioural (doing). ENGAGE games are played for approximately 30 minutes a day, with an intentional focus on supporting children to develop specific skills that they need to thrive at school and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. • Vicki Hill (new Executive Member) • Margie Blackwood (Patron) • Allan Wendelborn (Patron) • Sue Kurtovich (Patron) August 2023 { 16 }
NZ's 5 STAR RATED PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND SURFACING Manufactured exclusively by Reharvest Timber Products LTD 09 299 3999 | 0275 299 399 | info@reharvest.co.nz www.reharvest.co.nz RIGOROUS TESTING: 3 years testing of Cushionfall by 3 councils in 5 playgrounds before council approval ONGOING QUALITY TESTING: More than 50 tests in the last 10 years alone! HIGHEST IMPACT TESTS: in Australasia achieved PREFERRED CHOICE: Councils, the Ministry of Education, Kindergarten Associations, Play Centre Associations and Preschool Centres EXTENSIVE RESEARCH: 2 years of product development before launch MoE Digital Strategy The Ministry’s Digital Strategy team joined ECC in a webinar to present their finalised Digital Strategy. The webinar features a case study from Vanessa and the team at Just Kidz Henderson. If you missed these webinars, members can still access these on the ECC website here: https://www.ecc.org.nz/rubiixlunch The ECC also offers a variety of online professional development for ECE centre managers and teachers, along with other ECE sector events. Along with these online events for both centre managers and teachers, the ECC also offers face-to-face Centre Manger Network meetings. To find out what’s coming up, go to https://www.ecc.org.nz/events/ Updated Policies ECC have updated the following policies that are now available on our website. ● ● GMA - Alcohol and Drugs Policy (20230616) ● ● GMA3 Centre Closure Policy (20230518) ● ● GMA10 Child Collection Policy (20230703):This policy has been reviewed and updated and includes clarifications with regard to siblings picking up children from early childhood centres. ● ● GMA10 Child Custody Policy (20230531) ● ● HS Child Health Policy (20230531) ● ● HS31 Child Images Policy (20230601) ● ● HS31 Cyber Safety Policy (20230703) ● ● HS33 Centre Exclusion - Substances Policy (20230616).docx ● ● PF Premises & Facilities Checklist (20230523) You can find these policies and much more here, www.ecc.org.nz/supportandresources/toolsandresources August 2023 { 17 }
Refresh of Action Plan for Pacific Education The Action Plan for Pacific Education has been refreshed in 2023 to set out the next set of actions to support Pacific education success, and to strengthen the strategic focus on Pacific languages in education. The 2023 refresh of the Action Plan: ● ● Has a strengthened strategic focus on Pacific bilingual and immersion education and Pacific Languages in Education ● ● Includes the next set of Government actions to achieve the vision and key shifts. The Action Plan identifies five key shifts and a set of actions that are needed to achieve this vision: 1. work reciprocally with diverse Pacific communities to respond to unmet needs, including growing and supporting Pacific bilingual and immersion education pathways; 2. confront systemic racism and discrimination in education; 3. enable every teacher, leader and educational professional to take coordinated action to become culturally competent with diverse Pacific learners; 4. partner with families to design education opportunities together with teachers, leaders and educational professionals so aspirations for learning and employment can be met; and 5. grow, retain and value highly competent teachers, leaders and educational professionals with diverse Pacific whakapapa. Find out more here: https://www.education. govt.nz/news/refresh-of-action-plan-forpacific-education/ Centrally funded workforce wellbeing package extended Temporary wellbeing support services to support the education sector through the COVID-19 pandemic have been extended. These include Gold Star and Employment Assistance Programme (EAP) counselling support. Gold Star, an interactive online tool that can be accessed any time, will continue until June 2024. EAP counselling support has been extended until December 2023. Ensure your staff are aware of both of these supports and which are available to all staff at early learning centres (including Kōhanga Reo), kindergartens, playcentres and home-based services. More information can be found at:https://temahau.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-and-wellbeing/workforcewellbeing-package New Zealand Book Award Winners The winners of the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults have been revealed and for the first time a bilingual book has taken out the top prize. Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku by Mat Tait (NgātiApaki te rātō) was presented with the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award, Aotearoa’s highest accolade in children’s literature. Te Wehenga presents the Māori creation pūrākau, which explains the beginning of the world, simultaneously in te reo Māori and English. Younger readers will enjoy Duck Goes Meow by Juliette MacIver, illustrated by Carla Martell, which won the Picture Book Award. The judges loved that it delivers a conclusion that surprises the animals in the story and readers alike. The Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Māori was awarded to KuaWhetūrangitia a Koro by Brianne Te Paa, illustrated byStory Hemi-Morehouse, which offers an opportunity to learn about the tikanga surrounding Matariki. Finally, the NZSA Best First Book Award went to inspiring and refreshing modern fairytale The Lighthouse Princess by Susan Wardell, illustrated by Rose Northey. August 2023 { 18 }
The theme of Kia Kaha Te Reo Māori – making the language stronger - will continue this year, picking up from where it left off in 2022. The campaign is an essential piece of the puzzle to achieving the goal of 1 million speakers of te reo Māori in 2040. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is part of a broad Māori language revival programme and raises public awareness for Māori language learning and public usage. Mahuru Māori Mahuru Māori is an initiative begun in 2017 to promote the use of te reo Māori throughout the month of September. Mahuru Māori in 2023 is on Friday 15 September, in line with maramataka Māori. It doesn’t matter whether your reo skills stop at kia ora, or you can whaikōrero on the marae with the best of them, Mahuru Māori is something we can all do. Tuatahi, set your challenge. It can be anything that makes you speak more Māori. An hour a day, half the day, all day every day, or if you are a beginner just start with greetings and farewells in Māori. Tuarua, get others involved. Your colleagues, your whānau or your mates. Tuatoru, speak te reo Māori as much as you can during Mahuru Māori. Every time you do, you’re revitalising te reo and breathing life back into our native tongue. Be brave, be bold and be patient. To find out more about Mahuru Māori and be inspired with plenty of ideas on how you can te reo Māori this month go here, https:// www.mahurumaori.com Have you planned your Te Wā Tuku Reo / Māori Language Moment? Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori is encouraging all of Aotearoa and further to stop what they’re doing and celebrate te reo Māori at 12pm, on 14th September. You can kōrero (speak), waiata (sing), pānui (read) and much more in te reo Māori. This date marks the very moment the Māori Language Petition was presented to Parliament in 1972, on the first Māori Language Day. Three years later, it became what we now know as Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Take a moment for te reo Māori as we acknowledge the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future. To find out more and get ideas to support your te reo Māori journey and your mahi with tamariki go to https://www.reomaori.co.nz Resources to support your learning of te reo Māori There are many options and opportunities to learn te reo Māori within Aotearoa New Zealand. First, check what is available in your own community/city/region such as your local polytechnics, your local Te Wānanga o Aotearoa; and if Te Ahu o te Reo Māori is being offered close to you this is a great option for teachers, https:// kauwhatareo.govt.nz/en/kaupapa/te-ahu-ote-reo-maori/ Online or App resources • https://www.reomaori.co.nz/ • https://tewhanake.maori.nz/ • http://www.tokureo.maori.nz/index.html • https://kupu.maori.nz/ • https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/ international/where-can-i-study/studyonline/toromai/toromai_home.cfm • Panga: te reo Māori Wordle, https:// codeworks.gen.nz/panga/ • https://www.maoritelevision.com (and now an app). Ōpaki is a great option for language learning • Tipu Te Reo Māori app • Te Aka Māori Dictionary, https:// maoridictionary.co.nz Useful books include: • Māori Made Easy series by Scotty Morrison • Te Reo Māori: The Basics Explained by David Karena-Holmes • A Māori Word a Day and A Māori Phrase a Day both by Hemi Kelly (also has a fantastic Facebook/Instagram and podcast) • He Iti te Kupu: Māori Metaphors and Similes by Hona Black Informative podcasts: • Taringa (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa) • Everyday Māori (Hemi Kelly) • Nē? A Te Ao Māori podcast August 2023 { 19 }
Ruru House is located just out of the rural village of Lepperton, 15 minute’s drive from New Plymouth, heading north. Ruru House is licenced for 54 children and caters for children aged 0 to 6 years and is opened from 7.30 to 5.15pm. My name is Anna and I am owner, operator and qualified teacher here at Ruru House. You will see me amongst the tamariki and other kaiako. We opened the centre in January 2019. HOW MANY CENTRES DO YOU HAVE? We have just the one (I say one and done!). Ruru is part of our lives, we spend weekends here, live next door, mow the lawns and tend to the gardens. It’s an extension of our home. If we had more than one, we feel we would be spread too thin. WHO IS YOUR COMMUNITY? Due to the rural outlook and that we cater for children under 3, we have families come from all over the New Plymouth area choosing Ruru because of its unique rural outlook. From Urenui to the North and then Inglewood, Egmont Village out to New Plymouth to the South. And this is shown within our transition to schools as the children are transitioning to schools all around the local and extended area. WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR CENTRE? We are fortunate to have the most amazing land surrounding Ruru. My grandfather purchased the land in 1942 and has been cared for by the generations. As a family, we have a strong sense of kaitiakitanga. Our awa, the Waiongana, runs alongside the land and the children can experience its force and wonder. We utilise the land as an excursion space and also the neighbouring fruit orchard. So we have a strong connection to our local surroundings. We recently lost one of our large macrocarpa trees in a storm that was over 150 years old. They are known in the family as being named, Paddy and Milly, after my parents. The Ruru would call from the trees which are located between our home and where Ruru stands. So this is how Ruru House found its name. With the guardianship of the Ruru that lives on the land and the foundation stone that was sourced from the Waiongana, Ruru holds a very special place on the land and in our hearts. WHAT DOES YOUR CENTRE OFFER THAT YOU THINK IS SPECIAL TO YOUR CENTRE? We have tried to make Ruru feel like a home for our community. By offering meals, that are lovingly prepared by our Home Makers. Who also ensure the environment is set with care as the kai ritual is the only moment within the day that we would ask children to come together. Maybe in the same way we are in some homes, we cherish the Home Makers and this aspect of Ruru. We also provide cloth nappies for the children while at Ruru. These are laundered on-site in our purpose-built laundry that has a dedicated washing machine for the nappies. This is part of our waste reduction efforts along with cloth face wipes and hand towels. We have managed to reduce our landfill contribution to the wheelie bin per week and also take advantage of the free recycling bin that the council provides to ECE centres within Taranaki. The other very special aspect of Ruru is our team. We are 100 percent registered with highly qualified and longstanding kaiako along with quality ratios. We love supporting students through their training and having them join our team and recently employed permanently two of our students in training. One teacher in training, Campbell, has been with us since the start of his training and will be qualified in August. And our other amazing teacher in training, Krystal, has been with us since we opened and will be finished at the end of the year. Centre Profile: Ruru House August 2023 { 20 }
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Krystal has also recently been awarded the Kupe Scholarships for Māori and Pacific High Achievers. Our kaiako are anchored in love and relationships and this guides our practice and binds us with our community. WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY? Quality care and education for children in a setting that is a safe haven and nestled in nature – this is at the core of our philosophy. This belief, along with the statements below demonstrates the true essence of the values that drives us all at Ruru to be the best kaiako we can be. We are committed to the guidelines and principles of Te Whāriki, the New Zealand early childhood curriculum document. Our curriculum and environment provide tamariki with opportunities to build strong and respectful relationships and learn alongside both kaiako and other tamariki (manaakitanga). Rangatiratanga (the right to exercise autonomy, ownership, and authority) is strongly advocated for our tamariki, ensuring their right to explore social skills, and problem-solving and develop independence at their own pace. We believe children will develop as independent thinkers, and agents of exploration through a play-based programme where children are free to explore, socialise, communicate and wonder. Nature and our connectedness to our surroundings are a magical part of Ruru. While exploring our natural environment, tamariki embark on endless opportunities to develop self-awareness/risk management and explore how to keep themselves safe through taking calculated risks. Through their exploration of our natural playscape, tamariki embark on real-life, authentic and unhurried experiences to receive and develop aroha, respect and empathy for the earth, and those who share its space and to share a deep and spiritual connection to their land (wairuatanga). This connection leads to an understanding of how to care for Papatūānuku (katiakitanga), and to be advocates and guardians for all creatures big and small. As a community we discover how to make sustainable choices, preserving the wonders of nature for ourselves and also future generations to come. We honour the role of whānau as children's first kaiako and encourage whānau to become active members of our Ruru home, sharing with us their knowledge and experiences. A sense of whanaungatanga (partnerships with whānau and our community) is essential and influential to a child's sense of belonging to our learning community. Strong connections between whānau and Ruru show tamariki that they belong here, their whānau belong here and we are their home away from home. We strive to create a diverse learning environment, which encourages imagination and keeps a child's natural curiosity alive. WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the aspect of kaitiaki, ensuring my team is cared for so that they can care for others. I also love being able to bring my youngest with me to Ruru. This is a privilege to be able to work and not be too far from him. Having a group of people that love what they do and will laugh and cry alongside you is pretty amazing. WHAT GETS YOU UP IN THE MORNING? A good strong coffee, no but really, the drive to do a good job. Ruru is part of who I am, so I am innately driven to try and do my best which is a huge motivator for me. August 2023 { 22 }
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“I need you to place your bag under the seat in front of you.” were the words recently addressed to me. As I tried hard to comply, I heard, “I need you to place your bag fully under the seat in front of you.” As I continued to try and push my bag under the seat, I heard the next words “I need the straps to be under as well as they can, in the event of an incident and become a trip hazard.” The whole time the flight attendant was speaking to me she had stood her ground, looked at me and spoke firmly and clearly. Once my bag was safely tucked away and the flight attendant had moved on to the next passenger the feeling of relief was tangible. I turned to my husband and said, “Wow, someone has been training these flight attendants in assertive communication skills.” And in a totally different space and time I recently listened to a podcast on the philosophy of dieting, and it was talking about decision fatigue. An example of this is when at end of the day we are so tired of spending the whole day making decisions that by the time we get home in the evening, the decision fatigue is so real that we end up making poor choices around eating late at night. It is as if we have spent all our will power during the day and there is no will power left as evening draws near. Decision Fatigue By Linda Ward Both events above led me to thinking about our interactions with young children. I began to ask myself how effective am I in giving clear instructions to children and am I giving too many choices to children and therefore creating ‘decision fatigue’ for them? The term decision fatigue was first established by a Florida State University social psychologist, Roy F. Baumeister. It describes the phenomenon that occurs when humans make poor decisions and show a lack of self-control following periods of needing to making good decisions and demonstrate good self-control. Essentially, the decision fatigue model suggests that after repeatedly having to make good choices we are less and less capable of continuing to make beneficial decisions. We have a limited number of good decisions before we’re bound to make a bad one. What I am saying may seem counter intuitive. As adults, we demand choice because we think the freedom to choose and the ability to compare alternatives will empower us to make a choice that is perfect for us, leading to greater levels of happiness and satisfaction. But research shows that with more choice, people actually become more frustrated with the decision-making process, less inclined to follow through with a decision, and less satisfied with the choice that they finally do opt for (marketing and shopping research). We have a limited amount of mental resources and energy to expend. Decisionmaking takes up a large part of our cognitive functions. When we are forced to make too many (often trivial) choices throughout the day we are using our limited resources, which can make us feel overwhelmed and irritable. This is known as decision fatigue. Decision fatigue is not just something that occurs in adults, and can be seen in children. For instance, during the day the child is trying hard to make good choices and then when the door opens for Mum or Dad to enter at pick up time, the child bursts into tears as they release tension and emotion. Or suddenly, there is a big tantrum over putting their shoes on when just prior to their parent arriving the child was peaceful and calm. We see decision fatigue in children in other ways. Some of the symptoms of decision fatigue can be avoidance and procrastination, overly compliant or will “go along with whatever”, impulsivity and lack of self-control. Over time the impacts of decision fatigue can add up. Studies suggest a wide range of challenges occur when self-control wanes after repeated decision fatigue. August 2023 { 24 }
It can be linked to behavioural and impulse control problems. As teachers, we can help combat and avoid decision fatigue in children. Below are some strategies: 1. DEVELOP ROUTINES TO REDUCE DECISIONS Time and time again, studies of high performing individuals show that much of their success relates to successful routines. Routines create consistency and consistency builds healthy habits. When children can move to ‘auto-pilot’ because they know what to do, it frees up the brain for more creative and imaginative thinking. An example of a clear routine is, “After lunch we play for a bit and then we go inside to sit on our own mats for quiet time”. 2. USE VISUALS TO HELP WITH DECISIONS Visuals increase engagement and independence with daily routines and skills and reduces the number of decisions required throughout the day. When using a visual plan your children don’t need to actively decide which order to complete the steps of the routine. Visual reminders of where things belong can help reduce decisions related to cleaning and caring. 3. GO MINIMALIST By definition minimalists live only with the things they need. They attempt to reduce the amount and frequency of things and experiences purchased. A bi-product of this minimalist lifestyle is that it can protect against decision fatigue. Within the preschool environment too many toys can reduce the ability for children to play constructively and creatively. However, too few toys can initiate ‘resource guarding’ and behavioural problems. There is a fine balance to be had here. As teachers, we are often tempted to ask for more toys to stimulate our children and keep them engaged for longer. Having more toys in a room leads toddlers to spend less time engaging with any one toy in a meaningful way. This is because they are too distracted by all the toys available to them and are left constantly deciding which toy they should pay attention to and play with. Being more selective and thoughtful with the toys available is a good start to help with decision fatigue. An example from within a home environment is when parents ask themselves, “Does my child need 8-10 different outfits to choose from, or does a selection of 2 choices help them be more independent with the morning routine?” As teachers, we can do the same sort of ‘stock-take’ within the room environment. 4. TRY A SNACK OR A WALK To help children switch from decision fatigue and ‘reset’ try a small snack or a walk. If glucose levels are low, it can be particularly tricky for children to make the right choice. Think of the 5pm tricky time before dinner is served. Physical activity has also been shown to alter and improve decision making abilities. 5. REDUCE THE AVAILABLE OPTIONS This means that you limit the questions and choices you are giving the child. In other words you are not all day asking them… “Would you like to do this or that?” “Would you like to eat this now or later?” “Which toy will you give to your friend?” “Would you like to come with me to the nappy changing area?” I come back to the story that I started this article with. Maybe as teachers we need to take some pressure off children and say, August 2023 { 25 }
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