Policy 3

Policy Statement

Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive environment for all tamariki and their whānau. This policy sets out the expectations, procedures, and responsibilities that guide our centre's practices in accordance with relevant New Zealand legislation and the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Purpose / Tūāhuatanga

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of all tamariki enrolled at Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano.
• Promote and protect the use of te reo Māori as a living language within the centre.
• Uphold the rights of tamariki and their whānau in a manner consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Provide clear guidance to kaiako, management, and whānau on the expectations of our centre.

Scope / Whānuitanga

This policy applies to:

• All tamariki enrolled at the centre.
• All kaiako and support staff employed by or volunteering at the centre.
• Whānau, hapū, and any community members who engage with our centre.
• Management and governance members of Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano.

Legislative Framework / Ture

This policy is informed by and consistent with the following legislation and documents:

• Education and Training Act 2020
• Children's Act 2014
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Privacy Act 2020
• Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Te Whāriki – He Whāriki Mātauranga mō ngā Mokopuna o Aotearoa (Early Childhood Curriculum)
• ERO / Ministry of Education licensing criteria for early childhood education and care centres

Procedures / Tikanga

Responsibilities of the Centre

The centre will:

• Maintain an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for all tamariki.
• Ensure kaiako hold appropriate qualifications and undergo relevant training.
• Undertake regular policy reviews in consultation with whānau and staff.
• Keep accurate records in compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate openly and respectfully with whānau regarding the care and education of their tamariki.

Responsibilities of Kaiako

All kaiako are expected to:

• Model te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in all interactions within the centre.
• Uphold the centre's values and adhere to all policies and procedures.
• Report any concerns regarding the safety or wellbeing of tamariki promptly and in line with the centre's reporting procedures.
• Participate in professional development and ongoing learning.

Responsibilities of Whānau

Whānau are encouraged to:

• Communicate openly with kaiako and management about the needs of their tamariki.
• Support the use of te reo Māori at home wherever possible.
• Engage with and contribute to the life of the centre.
• Raise any concerns or feedback through the appropriate channels.

Review / Arotake

This policy will be reviewed:

• Annually as part of the centre's regular policy review cycle.
• Following any significant incident or change in legislation.
• In consultation with kaiako, whānau, and management.

All changes to this policy will be communicated to relevant parties in a timely manner.

Complaints and Feedback / Amuamu

If you have any concerns or feedback regarding this policy or its implementation, please contact the centre manager directly or submit your feedback in writing. Te Puna Reo o Ngā Kākano is committed to addressing all concerns respectfully and in a timely manner.

For further assistance, you may also contact the Ministry of Education or ERO (Education Review Office).