At Living & Learning, we have high aspirations for every learner/ākonga (NELP Obj 1, priority 2) and we are committed to developing the unique potential in every child. Our partnership with parents is an essential aspect of this. Partnership begins from the first point of contact enquiry, to how we foster whanaungatanga, cultural inclusivity, and respectful, reciprocal communication with whānau. This helps us to understand their needs, the kotahitanga (holistic development) of their child, and ensures that, wherever practicably and reasonably possible in a group care setting, we are purposeful in our assessment and ability to meet the specific and diverse needs of their child.
NELP Obj 1: Learners at the centre: Learners with their whānau are at the centre of their education.
Priority 2: Have high aspirations for every learner/ākonga, and support these by partnering with their whānau and communities to design and deliver education that responds to their needs, and sustains their identities, languages and cultures.
Because Living & Learning is responsible for ensuring that we provide a safe, inclusive environment for all tamariki enrolled in our centres, the purpose of this policy is to ensure we keep learners/ākonga and their parents and whānau at the centre of our care and education, while ensuring our team, have clarity about assessing, enrolling, transitioning, and supporting the ongoing enrolment of any child with diverse or specific needs.
NELP Obj 1: Learners at the centre: Learners with their whānau are at the centre of their education.
NELP Obj 2: Barrier-free access: great education opportunities and outcomes are within reach of every learner.
NELP Obj 3: Quality teaching and leadership: quality teaching and leadership make the difference for learners and their whānau.
For all enrolments, at the point of the initial enquiry, our team will:
NELP Obj 1: Learners at the centre: Learners with their whānau are at the centre of their education.
Priority 2: Have high aspirations for every learner/ākonga, and support these by partnering with their whānau and communities to design and deliver education that responds to their needs, and sustains their identities, languages and cultures.
NELP Obj 2: Barrier-free access: great education opportunities and outcomes are within reach of every learner.
Priority 3: Reduce barriers to education for all, including for Māori and Pacific learners/ākonga, disabled learners/ākonga and those with learning support needs)
Priority 4: Ensure every learner/ākonga gains sound foundation skills, including language, literacy and numeracy.
If, at the time of enrolment, or at any time while a child is enrolled in our care, we are made aware, or become aware that a child has specific/diverse needs; or should a child present a safety risk to themselves or any other person, our team will:
NELP Obj 3: Quality teaching and leadership: quality teaching and leadership make the difference for learners and their whānau.
Priority 6: Develop staff to strengthen teaching, leadership and learner support capability across the education workforce.
If the outcome of this kōrero and/or subsequent reviews indicate that: (a) In Living & Learning’s opinion, we cannot reasonably provide the specialised services or facilities that would be required to meet the child’s needs, so that the child can safely attend and participate in Living & Learning’s group care setting and gain the foundation skills in literacy, language and numeracy (NELP Obj 2: Priority 4); or
(b) In Living & Learning’s opinion, the child presents an unreasonable risk of harm to themselves, other tamariki, our team, or another person in the centre, and no reasonably practicable and sustainable measures can reduce that risk to an acceptable level to ensure a safe and inclusive centre (NELP Obj 1; Priority 1); or
(c) In Living & Learning’s opinion, the child’s ongoing enrolment impacts Living & Learning’s ability to ensure every learner/ākonga gains sound foundation skills including language, literacy and numeracy (NELP Obj 2; Priority 3);
Then, when we have exhausted all funding avenues, strategies, efforts to engage with whānau, and wrap-around support services (NELP Obj 3; Priority 2), a meeting will be arranged in partnership with parents and whānau, to discuss the reasons why we can no longer safely care for their child in our centre.
Unless the circumstances are exceptional and require immediate measures to address safety concerns, Living & Learning will give a minimum of two weeks’ notice of the cessation of enrolment, so that parents and whānau can arrange appropriate alternative care for their child. During this time, Living & Learning will continue to support the child, and parents and whānau, while continuing to balance this with the safety and wellbeing of other tamariki and our team. Where appropriate, this support may include suggestions around possible alternative care options available to the family, as well as taking all reasonable steps to communicate with the child’s new care provider to support a smooth transition.
Living & Learning to advise Ministry of Education of the decision to cease the child’s enrolment.
NELP Obj 1: Learners at the centre: Learners with their whānau are at the centre of their education.
Priority 1: Ensure places of learning are safe, inclusive and free from racism, discrimination and bullying.
NELP Obj 2: Barrier-free access: great education opportunities and outcomes are within reach of every learner.
Priority 4: Ensure every learner/ākonga gains sound foundation skills, including language, literacy and numeracy.
Living & Learning to advise Ministry of Education of the decision to cease the child’s enrolment.