QUALITY AUDIT SUMMARY on New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education Audit Date: 22 and 23 June 2006 Web Report Date: 19 December 2006 Provider ID: 8602
1 Objectives The audit aimed to obtain reasonable assurance that New Zealand College of Early Childhood Education (NZCECE) is a sound and stable provider, has effective quality management systems in place, and is substantially achieving its goals and objectives as required by Quality Assurance Standard for PTEs, GTEs and Wnanga (QA Standard One). The results of this audit will contribute to the decisions made by Approvals, Accreditation and Audit to confirm ongoing registration and accreditation, and the length of time until the next audit. An audit is a snapshot of the organisation s performance at a particular time. As such, it is not a guarantee of ongoing compliance and effectiveness. An audit is based on sampling and instances of non-compliance may remain undetected. 2 Scope The audit covered all elements of QA Standard One except 1.2.8, Research. Research was excluded because NZCECE does not offer degree courses. NZCECE offers courses to international students; this audit included an evaluation of NZCECE s compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (Code of Practice). 3 Responsibilities NZCECE is responsible for meeting all requirements of QA Standard One by ensuring the quality of its management systems and the achievement of its goals and objectives. Under the Education Act 1989, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (Qualifications Authority) is responsible for registering private training establishments and granting accreditation to organisations offering approved courses. 4 Background This was a scheduled audit at Christchurch. NZCECE was previously audited in 2003 and met all of the requirements of QA Standard One. The previous audit included an evaluation of the Code of Practice and NZCECE met all of the requirements of the Code of Practice. NZCECE was originally established to provide nanny training and is owned by its founder and current principal. In the early 1990s, the organisation broadened its scope to include early childhood teacher training. NZCECE offers three courses: a Diploma of Teaching (ECE), International English Language Course, and the New Zealand National Nanny Certificate. The college s Diploma of Teaching (ECE) is recognised by the New Zealand Teachers Council. Page 2 of 5
The three-year Diploma of Teaching (ECE) course includes the New Zealand National Nanny Certificate (year one), and an early childhood diploma from the UK-based Council for Awards in Children s Care and Education (CACHE) (years one and two). Students who successfully complete this course may also obtain a Bachelor of Education degree by undertaking a fourth year of full-time study with Massey University. In the past year or two, NZCECE has experienced significant growth. There are a number of students employed in early childhood centres who are enrolled on the college s distance learning programme. 5 Summary At this audit (2006), NZCECE substantially met the requirements of QA Standard One. The two requirements not met related to governance and management; and learner information, entry and support, specifically in relation to the Code of Practice. Goals and objectives The Tertiary Education Commission has approved NZCECE s charter and profile that include goals, objectives and performance indicators relevant to the college s educational aspirations. Performance indicators are clear and specific, and include time-bound statements. Governance and management NZCECE s quality management system (QMS) includes a clear organisational chart and role descriptors for all staff. Staff reporting lines and responsibilities were clearly stated. The staff interviewed understood the requirements of the QMS, and policies and procedures are carried out as planned. This audit was able to establish that NZCECE was managing in the best interests of the organisation, and applying sound financial management practices. NZCECE has well-developed policies and procedures for addressing the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. An appropriate Public Trust account is maintained for the protection of student fees. However, NZCECE was not complying with s236a of the Education Act 1989 which requires that student fees are deposited into the trust account in a timely manner. Personnel Staff employed at NZCECE held appropriate qualifications for the programmes offered. All staff have signed employment agreements that comply with relevant legislation. Staff interviewed reported being involved in performance appraisals and taking part in professional development opportunities. These included completing masters degrees and delivering papers at conferences. Page 3 of 5
Physical and learning resources The audit found that NZCECE had appropriate resources for the programmes offered. Staff and students interviewed reported that appropriate resources were available when needed and staff requests for updates to resources and repairs were addressed promptly. NZCECE met all requirements of the New Zealand Building Code and the Resource Management Act 1991. The college had a well-developed health and safety system in place and no health and safety issues were raised by staff or students interviewed. Learner information, entry and support The NZCECE student handbook, given to students on enrolment, provides all information required by QA Standard One. NZCECE was able to show that student complaints were handled in a fair and responsible manner. Students interviewed reported that they receive sufficient information about course entry requirements and appropriate support to complete their studies. Students commented that staff were friendly, approachable and easy to talk to, and had a good depth of knowledge. NZCECE did not fully meet the requirements of the Code of Practice. The requirements not met related to contractual and financial obligations of signatories, and support services. All student fees were not deposited in the trust account in accordance with s236a of the Education Act 1989, and information about driving laws, alcohol and tobacco was not made available for students. Development, delivery and review of programmes Planning for each programme is detailed and documented. Students interviewed reported that teaching delivery met their learning needs. Evaluation of courses includes student and tutor surveys. NZCECE stays current with industry best practice through its involvement with colleges of education and early childhood centres, as well as international organisations. Assessment and moderation There was evidence of a robust system for internally moderating assessments and ensuring they meet current good practice. NZCECE was able to demonstrate that it was involved in external moderation with the Nanny Education Organisation of New Zealand and the monitor for the Diploma of Teaching (ECE). Students interviewed reported that they were informed of the processes for appealing assessment decisions and for applying for recognition of current competence. Notification and reporting on learner achievement Students interviewed reported that they receive regular feedback on their progress. NZCECE maintains appropriate paper and electronic records of student progress at course and qualification level. Page 4 of 5
Achievement of goals and objectives This audit found sufficient evidence that NZCECE has applied the performance indicators developed in its profile document to measure progress and update its goals and objectives. Through its Board of Directors, NZCECE reports on its progress to the Tertiary Education Commission. Closing statement Overall, NZCECE is a well-organised provider that is clearly focused on the quality of learning that it offers. NZCECE provided evidence at the audit that it was a sound and stable provider with effective systems to support the programmes of study it delivers. Page 5 of 5