Benefits of Centre Manager/Owners networking hui By Paula Hawkings “Our North / West Hui team enjoying our February Hui” As centre managers/owners role of leadership within in ECE can be a solitary role. It is a balancing act most days: ensuring there are positive learning outcomes for tamariki, staff are engaged and happy in their role, whānau needs are being met, you are operating a financially viable centre, along with the mountain of paperwork that needs to be actively kept upto-date and relevant especially in a sector with continuous changes and challenges. Attending and participating in a networking hui is one way centre managers/owners can find support. We asked those attending our North / West Hui team what the benefits were for them. Sekola from Happy Learning shares some of the benefits from participating in a networking hui: "Participating in termly hui has been a valuable opportunity for myself to learn, connect, and grow. During the networking we share resources which enhances our professional development, as well as keeping us all informed about the latest regulations and compliance changes within in the sector. Overall, attending termly hui strengthens the ECE community and improves practices to promote positive outcomes for tamariki and whānau." “I have found a real sense of community and belonging amongst our group of managers/ owners. We have a supportive network that promotes professional growth and development. Through collaboration we learn from each other, exchange best practices and receive constructive feedback that helps us improve our own leadership skills. “When focusing on outcomes for children we find that we are more accountable for leading a professional learning community, we have developed more confidence to connect with a diverse group of people including families, children and whānau. When focusing on my team I feel that my leadership skills have strengthened which has enabled me to attract, retain and motivate our team through critical thinking, collaboration and reflection. I feel like I am more approachable to my team, listening to any concerns and being solution based.” July 2024 { 30 }
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