12 February 2007
ERO to provide assurance for HVHS parents
The Education Review Office (ERO) is carrying out a special review at Hutt Valley High School, Education Minister and
Minister responsible for the ERO, Chris Carter, announced today.
The decision to bring in ERO was welcomed by the HVHS Board of Trustees and would provide independent assurance on the
level of safety at the school.
“Any ERO recommendations will carry a robust assurance for parents, students, staff and the Hutt Valley community that
things are working well or that action needs to be taken.”
The Ministry of Education was continuing to work closely with the school and actions taken so far included:
The board and senior staff have met with parents of victims and responded to calls to make changes
A “Start Safe in 08” involving parents, staff, the board and police was established to assist the school when it
reopened for Term 1
The school website has regular updates for parents and the community, it has received a large number of “hits”
All complaints to the school have been individually replied to, hundreds of messages of support for the school have
also been received
Publicity around an alleged incident of assault was a reminder for schools to be vigilant in identifying and dealing
with issues of student behaviour.
“Every school will at some time encounter inappropriate student behaviour and all schools should take the time to look
at systems and procedures for identifying and managing such behaviour, ensuring the needs of students and staff are
met.”
The Ministry of Education currently provided support to schools through Supporting Positive Behaviours information
online; guidelines for student disciplinary procedures such as stand-downs and suspensions; and through Breaking the
Cycle, the interagency protocols on dealing with suspected abuse.
“It is vital school administrators have access to these documents which provide very good guidelines,” Chris Carter
said.
ENDS