[Red Devil]

Does NZ have a similar official body for inspecting schools :confused:... if so, it'll come in handy whilst looking into relocating :)

Thanks

[Kerry and David]

I think this is what you are looking for
http://www.ero.govt.nz

Kerry

[JandM]

I know NOTHING about the good or bad points of the NZ system. Therefore, the following opinion may not apply to it in any way at all.

However, having been on the receiving end of Ofsted several times while working in British education, I wouldn't trust their judgement on anything affecting my nearest and dearest, unless it was backed up by that of people I knew had been in daily contact with that school for a lot longer than any inspection team.

[Red Devil]

Kerry... thanks for the link :nice1

JandM... I completely understand where you're coming from and a valid point indeed.

I think that's where the forum comes in so helpful, in being able to take on board comments from parents whose child is attending a primary school in a particular town/village that maybe of interest to us... I guess you can't beat firsthand experience. Hopefully we'll get some good feedback from our other post with regards recommended towns/villages near to Christchurch, then cross refer with the ERO link and draw a conclusion.

Thanks again :nice1

[Mels]

Hi,

I think you may find these sites useful too.

http://www.schoolzones.co.nz/enrolmentzones/
http://www.tki.org.nz/e/schools/index.php
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications/ssq/statistics/index.html

I have spent hours looking at thse sites, but I agree entirely with JandM, until we get there and visit the schools we don't really know much about them.

Mels

[Carey]

Yes you have to go into the schools, possibly several times at different times of the day, may seem like you're being a nusiance but it is important to try and get it right first time to avoid alot of angst. You will probably get a feel for the school, as soon as you step inside, altho' I know many exceptions to that too!

[Red Devil]

... thanks for the links Mels, added them to 'My Favorites' for ongoing and future use.

Certainly can't beat visiting the schools in person... just need a foundation to work on, then take it from there.

Thanks again :nice1

[lockstock]

The ERO is apparently as ferocious (sorry, I mean rigorous) as the UK's Ofsted and the reports are equally reliable. Our school is due its inspection in September and the staff are visibly anxious already. Horrible.

[dharder]

As others have said, don't take it as the gospel. But it does tell you some basics: number of students, ethnicity, decile, and you can spot some major weaknesses if the school has them. Doesn't say much about how that is dealt with by the school, but you get a rough idea.

Some indications of whether a school is popular with the local parents could be a zone, I know that around where we live, the less desirable schools (that doesn't mean to judge how the kids are doing there) don't have zones where the others have very strict ones (and constantly try to make them smaller, it seems...).

Good luck,

Daniela

[Red Devil]

Thanks again all, it's an important topic so your input is very much appreciated :yes

[nippa&pippa]

To be honest I haven't been into my son's new school yet, will be for first time tomorrow as it is his first of three school visit before start school for real on 2nd July.
I just accepted word of mouths from locals on how they feel about Lincoln primary, Springston Primary, Rolleston Primary and Leeston Primary before we picked his school.
Because from my sisters who is teachers and my mum who was teacher's aide, they found that Ofsted is waste of time...

[tea drinker]

Just adding my twopenn'th

Having survived, I mean, endured, I mean suffered ....oh you know what I mean! several Ofsteds, LA inspections etc their reports provide one bit of the whole picture. Not always a completely accurate picture as far as those striving and doing their best in the sch on a day to day basis would agree with.

Try to get more of the picture..visit, as someone has suggested at different times. Get a feel for the place. How do the pupils look and sound? Happy? Busy? Having fun and learning? I like to see a range of activities/work showing a wide range of the curriculum...not just academic but the type of curriculum that provides opportunities for the 'well rounded' pupil.
Dont worry if you see someone doing something 'naughty' look to see how it is dealt with. Is it dealt with? How?
?Ask to speak to Trustees (Governors) Parent helpers etc
?Wait at the 'gate'. See how chn and their families arrive and leave. Chat to the adults (explain why you are asking just incase they think that you are upto no good!)


Need to point out that I have not worked in NZ schools...yet...but one day....
Anyway , hope it all goes well for you
Remember to ask about specific schools on the forum, you never know , someone may know!
Good luck
td