Enrol with us

Enrol online here: HERO Enrolment form

Background Information:

Traditionally, children in Aotearoa (New Zealand) start school on their fifth birthday or any day after that. Recent changes to the Education Act mean schools can adopt cohort entry: enrolling children in groups on specific days across the year. Schools are choosing cohort entry to support positive transitions, well-being, and learning.

From 1 January 2020, changes made to the Act (through the Education Amendment Act 2019) took effect so that:

• children will be able start school in cohorts but only after they have turned five.

• there will be two entry points per term, one on the first day of term, and one at a mid-point during a term.

The benefits of Cohort Entry:

• Cohort entry helps children to settle easier, and have a successful transition to school.

• Starting school alongside other children helps children build relationships while benefiting their social and emotional well-being.

• Student learning also benefits as teachers can plan for uninterrupted periods of time.

• There is less disruption and stress for new entrant teachers who can prepare for groups of children arriving on a specific date rather than on an individual and ad hoc basis through the year.

• Schools are able to better anticipate student numbers allowing Principals to strategically plan for transitions and welcoming events.

• Supports whānau to connect with the school and enable teachers to address parents in a group about important points around schooling and school entry.

• Cohort entry would enable new parents to meet each other and make connections.

Amendment to HPS Year level classification:

Students who start school in Term 1 are classified as Year 1 students. Students who start school from Term 2 are now classified as Year 0. 

The Education Review Office (ERO) has some valuable information for parents about cohort entry on the website.  To find out more, visit:  ERO's website page:  A guide for parents sending their child to a cohort entry school.

Learning Through Play

At Hingaia Peninsula School we want learning to be fun and inspiring for our students, to develop a love for coming to school and for learning. Learning Through Play helps with the transition from Early Childhood Centres, and particularly supports those children who are still developing their readiness for a more formal school setting. Learning Through Play works on foundation skills, oral language, social skills, gross and fine motor skills, self belief and independence. 

This approach weaves in seamlessly with the NZ curriculum, and aligns with our school vision and values. Children can explore and play both indoors and outside the studio with many opportunities to make connections with children in the main studio space. More information about this can be found in our 'Starting School @HPS' booklet.