Criterion C201#

The service curriculum is consistent with any prescribed curriculum framework that applies to the service.

Curriculum criteria documentation required

Kupu whakataki | preface#

Te Whāriki: He whāriki mātauranga mō ngā mokopuna o Aotearoa Early childhood curriculum (Te Whāriki) is Aotearoa New Zealand’s bicultural national curriculum document for ECE services.

The prescribed curriculum framework for the Early Learning Sector is in 3 parts:

• Te Ara Whānui: the principles | ngā kaupapa whakahaere, strands, goals and learning outcomes | ngā taumata whakahirahira of Te Whāriki.
• Te Ara Māori: a Te Ao Māori interpretation of the principles | ngā kaupapa whakahaere, strands, goals and learning outcomes | ngā taumata whakahirahira of Te Whāriki.
• Te Whariki a te Kōhanga Reo: ngā Kaupapa whakahaere | ngā taumata whakahirahira me Te Tauira Whāriki (Te Katoa o te Mokopuna) mō Te Kōhanga Reo.

Licensed early learning services (except kōhanga reo) need to decide which pathway to implement either: Te Ara Whānui or Te Ara Māori (not both). Te Whāriki a te Kōhanga Reo is the pathway specifically for kōhanga reo and their curriculum guidance is provided by Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust.

Guidance#

To meet this criterion in a way that is consistent with the prescribed curriculum framework each licensed early learning service should design its own culturally responsive, bicultural curriculum priorities using Te Ara Whānui or Te Ara Māori as a guide.

Curriculum is interpreted broadly. It includes all the experiences, activities, and events, both direct and indirect that occur within the service. It provides a framework that foregrounds the mana of the child and the importance of respectful, reciprocal, and responsive relationships.

Services should demonstrate the visibility of the principles, strands, goals and learning outcomes of their chosen pathway within their documentation i.e., policies, curriculum documentation, and engagements with parents and whānau, local community, and hapū and iwi.

Te Whāriki is a bicultural document and Te Ao Māori should be woven and considered through all curriculum criteria.

When assessing whether their curriculum is consistent with the prescribed curriculum (Criterion 201), services should take into consideration if they are meeting criteria 201 – 213, and how well.