Alison Stern

Director

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Teaching and Learning ECE ( University of Canterbury)
• Diploma of Teaching ( ECE) – Open Polytechnic of NZ
• Diploma of Montessori Method  3-6 years  (St Nicholas / MCI London)
• IECL Level 1 certificate Coaching.

 Teacher registration number : 303994. Tuturu/Full 1

Experience in education.

With over 26 years experience in early childhood education, mostly in Aotearoa / NZ,  Alison brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills with the aim of supporting leaders and teachers in education.

Starting as a parent helper in a community based Montessori in the UK who put her through training, Alison came to New Zealand in 2002 and worked as Montessori guide in a private centre in Hamilton. Whilst here, other qualification followed and she worked whilst studying by distance, relieving across the wider early learning sector to gain a broader perspective. Several years followed as a Kindergarten teacher in rural areas, then in city Kindergartens, eventually becoming Head Teacher in both rural and urban settings.

In 2016 – 2024 , Alison was employed by the Education Review Office, applying after being inspired by their focus on equitable outcomes for all learners. She initially started as a Review Officer in the Central North Island, based in the Hamilton office,  evaluating and writing public reports for both early learning services, state primary schools and private primary schools.

During her time at ERO, she was involved with working groups for national projects of significance including :

• The development of Ngā Ara Whai Hua – Quality Evaluation framework for ECE.
• Being an implementation leader of the Akarangi / Quality Evaluation reviews, starting in term 4,2020
• Participated in the national working group for the development and implementation of Akanuku/ Assurance reviews
• On the national internal reference group for the development of Te Ara Poutama – the new indicators for ECE as well as trialling these with governing organisations in 2018. This involved in working with some of NZ’s key academics.

Two years were spent as a Manager within ERO and this involved professional development in leadership and coaching, supporting a team of Review Officers across regional offices, facilitating sector engagement hui for service leaders and tertiary providers, and liaised with Ministry of Education counterparts. She also designed and facilitated professional development within ERO.

Personally, Alison has spent time living in Raglan, Hamilton and now lives in beautiful Ōhope beach where she also manages Beachpoint Apartments accommodation business with her partner Shayne.

Services offered:

Support with:

• Internal evaluation
• External evaluation – preparing for ERO or Ministry of Education
• Curriculum design
• Leadership and teamwork
• Business skills including strategic and annual planning, systems and processes
• Mentoring and coaching
• Professional growth cycle / appraisal including observations and feedback of team
• Establishing a new centre
• Compliance and licensing
• Board of Trustees or Committee support
• Later in 2024 – workshops and networking opportunities

Nicola Davies

Education Consultant

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Teaching Early Childhood Education
• Full Teacher Registration (expired)-STC #302656
• Certificate in Professional Childcare

With over 24 years of teaching experience in ECE, Nicola has developed strong leadership, mentoring and coaching skills and sound knowledge of the Early Childhood Education Sector. Efficient time management and effective communication skills, Nicola is an attentive listener, forward planner, and demonstrates attention to detail, quality practices and professionalism. Nicola has strong marketing and promotional experience; she is relationship focussed and results driven. Nicola is an experienced Professional Learning & Development provider and event planner. Sound organisational skills enable effective motivating, positive social skills and teamwork. Strong focus on building and maintaining teacher capability and competence.

Employment with the Education Review office (ERO) from 2015 to 2021 as an

Review officer and Evaluator of services/schools for delivering education, Nicola developed the following skills, focusing on working through equity and excellence processes with a view on quality education delivery.

• Evaluator of Early childhood services and centres across the central region
• Full Primary and contributing primary schools Evaluation.
• Intermediate schools and Secondary school evaluation.

Throughout the above processes, Nicola developed knowledge of assessment both in ECE and Schools, sound knowledge of Te Whāriki, and NZ curriculum and robust knowledge and experience with ECE regulations and legislative requirements. While at ERO Nicola promoted positive and active working relationships with Ministry of Education. Nicola has a strong knowledge of health & safety being the Health and Safety officer (Hamilton office) and National delegate for implementing H&S. Working groups Nicola was engaged in

• national ERO project work- Te Whaariki 2017 working group,
• national ERO project work- Assurance reviews for ELC requiring support.