A Supplementary review of Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepoti by the Education Review Office has found significant improvement in the Maori immersion school.
The review evaluated the quality of education received by pupils and the performance of the board of trustees at the Sunnyvale-based school, after serious concerns were raised during a previous accountability review.
In 2008, ERO found the school's 21 pupils were not receiving high-quality education; pupils were not provided with sufficient opportunities to develop free, open and inquiring minds; and they did not use the Maori language confidently or appropriately.
Of particular concern at that time was the sharp decline in pupil numbers.
However, in the most recent review, ERO found pupils were experiencing success in their learning.
"Teachers are aware of the multiple learning levels of students and work well to ensure they cater for those learning needs," the report said.
"Students display confidence and a willingness to speak te reo Maori throughout their learning.
"They are able to express their ideas and engage with their peers and teachers."
The report found teachers had participated in professional development to enhance literacy and numeracy programmes.
Despite efforts to attract new pupils, low roll numbers remained.
"A key priority for the board and whanau is to establish a clear vision for the kura, focused on the particular needs of students and whanau who are considering the kaupapa Maori option.
"It is important that the principal, the board of trustees and whanau members examine reasons for the continued low roll.
"This self-review information can assist the board to identify strategies to attract new students and retain them at the kura."
Principal Amiria Stirling was delighted with the report.
"We've worked really hard and everyone who has been part of that journey is part of that success.
"It's a really accurate reflection of what is happening here and, since the ERO reviewer has left, the kura has grown further - we've become very family oriented, which is what every kura should be."
Every whanau member was heavily involved in the running of the kura, and the board was now looking for new whanau members to join "our journey".
The kura's roll was 14, but the board was projecting significant growth during the next 12 months, Miss Stirling said.
The kura would be having a celebration of learning and opening its doors to the community in August for potential whanau to see how it worked and what it had to offer.
ERO will review the kura again within the next two years.
