CUR111 Communicating with parents 2024.3

Communicating and Consulting

with Parents/Whānau Policy

References:

Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008, 47

Licensing Criteria for ECE 2008: GMA101, GMA102 and C112

NELP Goals: 2

Te Whāriki:

Mana Whenua/Belonging Goal 2: Tamariki and their whānau experience an environment where they know that they have a place.

Statement of Intent:

Windsor Montessori Preschool is committed to working in partnership with all parents/whānau/caregivers to bring about the best possible learning outcomes for the learning and development of tamariki. We view parents/whānau as the primary educators of their tamariki and we will seek out their knowledge, experience, skills and views when making decisions about tamariki learning.

Relationships lay the foundation of what we do in preschool and we will work at developing positive supportive reciprocal relationships with all parents/whānau/caregivers.

Purpose:

To ensure the preschool effectively communicates and consults with parents/whānau in acknowledging and respecting their values, needs and aspirations.

To ensure parents/whānau are encouraged to participate in decision making regarding their tamaiti.

Te Tiriti Commitment:

Upholding the principle of Kotahitanga allows for the provisions of opportunities for contributions from tamariki, parents and whānau in decision making and the development of our preschool and curriculum. Welcoming input from tangata whenua and the wider community.

Procedure:

The following outline the steps we will take in consulting with parents/whānau:

We have an open door policy that welcomes parents/whānau. This is important to us so that parents/whānau develop a strong sense of belonging and community
We will engage in genuine, attentive, respectful dialogue informally on a daily basis with parents/whānau. If there are any concerns regarding tamariki, or on any aspects of the preschool’s operation, we will offer a time that we can discuss these concerns in more detail
Parents/whānau will be informed at enrolment about the communication and consultation process in place at the preschool. It will be made clear that all parents/whānau know that we value their input in what we do and that this is important to us
We will engage and consult with Māori whānau and tangata whenua to enrich and protect the cultural heritage and sense of belonging within our preschool
Parents/whānau will be sent a Parent Information Booklet before they enrol their tamaiti at the preschool
Whānau will be informed of the details of the amount of funding the preschool receives from the Ministry of Education. This is done on an annual basis.
Notices on Storypark, emails, notice board, wall displays and website are used to share information about programmes and learning experiences provided for Tamariki.
ERO report will be displayed inside our learning area.
Tamariki learning will be posted on Storypark where whānau will have the opportunity to view and provide feedback.
Kaiako will be available to informally meet parents/whānau on a daily basis to exchange information
Whānau will have the opportunity to attend a Whānau Hui twice a year. to formally discuss the ongoing learning and development of their tamaiti
Planning will be made visible in the preschool displayed in the learning environment and on Storypark
We will consult with parents/whānau when planning internal reviews and involve them in this process when we require their input and feedback
New and existing whānau will be able to access policies online through our website as well as have access to hard copies if requested by whānau. Whānau will have regular opportunity to take part in the reviewing of policies and procedures through Storypark and any feedback will be noted by kaiako before further editing a policy.
Whānau will be able to access information regarding the preschool’s fees on our website and in the parent handbook.

Date:

Signed:

Review Date:

Consultation: