To the Parents and Community of Bombay School

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

Bombay School is located south of Auckland and is a rural school catering for children in Years 1 to 8. The school has a history of positive ERO reports and continues to provide high quality learning opportunities for children. A capable board, and a knowledgeable principal and management team, lead the school. There have been few staff changes since the last ERO review. The learning environment is attractively presented and well maintained and an enrolment scheme is in place to manage the school roll. The board and senior managers have addressed the areas for improvement identified in the ERO 2006 report.   

In literacy and in mathematics, most children are achieving at or above nationally expected levels for their age. Successes are celebrated and support programmes are provided for children who require learning extension or additional support. Children have a strong sense of their own identity. They respond confidently to learning challenges and engage well in their learning tasks. Most children participate in a variety of cultural, music and sports activities, and have opportunities for leadership. Students appreciate the wide range of learning opportunities offered to them. The school has a settled tone and relationships between students and teachers are friendly and mutually respectful.   

Teachers are enthusiastic, effective classroom managers with a depth of knowledge about children's strengths and interests. They are professionally reflective and participate in a wide range of professional development programmes. Classrooms are well resourced and children's work samples are displayed and valued. Teachers plan collaboratively to ensure that their teacher programmes meet children's individual learning needs and support them to develop their self-management skills. Syndicate leaders monitor teachers' planning and are beginning to ensure that programme plans are of consistently high quality. Programme planning will be further improved as each syndicate discusses and analyses student achievement information.   

The principal and senior managers are a cohesive team. They are dedicated and supportive of the students and teachers in the school. The management team is supportive of teachers pursuing personal professional development. The restructuring and introduction of new members to the management team provides the opportunity for managers and leaders to review their roles and responsibilities so that they can make best use of their time and strengths.    

The board of trustees has a strong understanding of the principles of governance. Trustees bring a variety of skills to their role and have participated in training on school governance. The next planned board training is to develop a succession plan that will be in place for the next board of trustees elections. The board has developed positive relationships with the wider school community. Trustees are committed to the school and provide appropriate support, resources, and relevant professional development for staff to implement changes in the school's teaching programmes. The board regularly receives information about teaching and learning and the management of the school.   

Future Action    

ERO is confident that the board of trustees can manage the school in the interests of the students and the Crown and bring about the improvements outlined in this report.   ERO is likely to carry out the next review in three years.    

Review Coverage    

ERO reviews do not cover every aspect of school performance and each ERO report may cover different issues. The aim is to provide information on aspects that are central to student achievement and useful to this school.   

If you would like a copy of the full report, please contact the school or see the ERO web page, http://www.ero.govt.nz      

Signed by Makere Smith 

National Manager  

for Chief Review Officer