ECNZ rated among top providers of tertiary education

ECNZ rated among top providers of tertiary education

1 September 2017

Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand (ECNZ) has received a perfect Category 1 rating from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) following its four-yearly external evaluation review (EER). Ratings range from 1 to 4.

This is the second consecutive time ECNZ has achieved this overall rating, but NZQA raised its rating to Highly Confident in both Educational Performance and Capability in Self-Assessment.

“As a private training establishment, this recognition is a big deal. It places us firmly among the very best providers of Initial Teacher Education in Early Childhood Education (ECE),” says Chief Executive Kathy Wolfe.

“It is a great outcome for our organisation. The rating is recognition of our robust programmes and the dedication of our staff, who work tirelessly to ensure we are a top-notch tertiary education provider.”

“Prospective and existing students can be assured of the quality and integrity of their study with ECNZ, and the ongoing high regard for their qualification. And potential employers can likewise be confident of the high calibre of our graduate teachers,” Kathy Wolfe said.

The review by NZQA was completed in mid-June. It comprises an in-depth assessment of teaching standards, student success, the quality of governance and management, and ability to continuously improve via capability in self-assessment.

In its summary report NZQA noted that ECNZ’s understanding of the ECE sector, and how it works closely with employers in early learning services and students to produce well-qualified graduates, is fundamental to the organisation’s tikanga.

Reasons for NZQA’s confidence in the strong performance of ECNZ as a tertiary education provider included:

ECNZ helps students to achieve their goals. “Student achievement is consistently above funding targets, with around 90 per cent of all students completing their course every year since the previous EER”.

A bicultural philosophy is woven into all the organisation’s activities. “This is apparent in the way programmes are designed and delivered, as well as the staff who demonstrate tikanga within the learning environment.”

ECNZ’s advocacy role connects it to its stakeholders, enabling the organisation to understand ECE sector needs and develop programmes that meet those needs. “Strong self-assessment is reflected in the organisation’s responsiveness to the changing environment, including Education Council requirements and students’ needs, with the shift to blended learning and the development of new programmes. Overall, there is a comprehensive, transparent analysis of a range of information to understand the educational needs of the sector and provide valued programmes.”

ENDS

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