ERO Report

ERO (Education Review Office) reviews schools and early childhood education services every three years, and publishes national reports on current education practice.   Below is the Community Page from our latest report. 

To the Parents and Community of Henderson Valley School

These are the findings of the Education Review Office's latest report on Henderson Valley School.

Henderson Valley School is set in an attractive semi-rural environment surrounded by natural resources, farmland and vineyards. The school is re-establishing its place as the hub of the community. Since the 2007 ERO review, the board of trustees and staff have made significant improvements in governance, management, curriculum delivery, and student achievement.

The school is characterised by strong professional leadership, a committed and active board of trustees, and dedicated staff who work collaboratively to improve students' learning. Teachers engage in critical reflection and professional conversations and share ideas about effective teaching strategies. A culture of trust is reflected in teachers' willingness to improve their professional practices.

These positive features of the school are attributable to the effective leadership of the principal and school management team. School developments have been guided by transparent and well documented self-review processes. Improvements over the last three years have included strategies to raise student achievement, and strategically planned steps to build leadership capacity. Teaching practice across the school has improved as a result of school-wide professional learning and development. The curriculum is now more relevant and meaningful to students, staff, parents and the community.

Students show understanding of their learning. They talk confidently about what they have achieved and show pride in their successes. They participate actively in opportunities provided for them, and most are highly engaged in all aspects of the curriculum. The arts dimension of the school's curriculum, particularly music, is a feature of the school.

Parents are active participants in school events and in their children's learning. Environmental sustainability is promoted by the school and community and has increasingly become a philosophical belief and practice for students and their parents.

ERO and the board of trustees agree that the board should ensure that the school charter and curriculum reflect the board's commitment to promoting and supporting favourable outcomes for Māori students, and that staff should continue to implement e-learning across the school.

Future Action

The board of trustees has demonstrated that it is governing the school in the interest of the students and the Crown. The board, together with the principal and school leaders, continues to focus on improving student learning - engagement, progress and achievement. ERO is likely to carry out the next review within three years.

Review Coverage

• what is known about student achievement information, including the achievement of Māori and Pacific students;
• decisions made to improve student achievement using assessment and self‑review information; and
• teaching strategies and programmes implemented to give effect to the school's curriculum.

ERO also gathers information during the review to contribute to its national reports. The national reports are published on ERO's website.

ERO Report