Storypark is a valuable tool that can support an effective NQS Assessment and Rating process. Authorised Officers (AO’s) can be invited to access information in Storypark and thereby evidence the great work of your team.

This process is accepted by government organisations but needs to be managed well to create a safe/private and effective experience.

Here is a guideline to help you prepare for an Authorised Officer visiting your centre and utilising Storypark as part of the A&R process and should be reviewed as tips and tricks for you to apply as works for you (rather than a formulated approach).

In the weeks/months prior

  • Study how to use Storypark’s reporting tools, and PDF any specific information that demonstrates your practice
  • Ensure relevant plans are shared with ‘all teachers’
  • Flag information (plans, stories, community posts) that are exemplars. This can currently be easily achieved within planning, and plans could be created to link exemplar stories and PDFs of community posts

On the day

  • AO’s are invited to Storypark as an educator on the day they arrive and access is provided for 24/48 hours before being removed by a Centre Administrator within the Storypark account (which may be in a quality/supervisory role if your centre is part of the multi-site organisation).
  • AO’s can be named “Authorised Officer” in their Storypark profile instead of their personal name, to identify them to other educators and parents
  • AO’s would be shown through Storypark by the centre staff, including exemplars within the planning area.

Note: If an AO is unfamiliar with Storypark you may wish to provide them with a brief overview of how the system works, and where they may wish to dig into if they access the platform after they’re there with you. AO’s have the same access as educators in Storypark. Please be mindful of what you encourage them to do/not to do to be respectful of the children and your team’s information.

Posted by Peter Dixon

Peter was born in Auckland and went to Brooklyn Kindergarten. Since then he has helped develop a number of ventures in both New Zealand and North America, and worked to support other organisations who believe in making a difference in the world.


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