About Longworth Education

At Longworth Education, we are a world-leading educational consultancy based in New Zealand, dedicated to supporting schools in implementing developmentally expected and informed practices into primary education. As a social enterprise, we work globally to address key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and uphold the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Our Global Commitment:

Our work is aligned with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Ensuring inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education for all children, with a focus on marginalized and indigenous communities.
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Promoting equal opportunities in education for all genders, breaking down barriers to access and achievement.
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Working to reduce educational disparities by ensuring all learners, regardless of culture, gender, or ability, have access to equitable education.
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Advocating for education systems that are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all children, contributing to peaceful and just societies.

In addition, we proudly uphold the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ensuring that every child’s right to education, identity, and cultural expression is respected and promoted in all the contexts we work in..

Our Vision in Aotearoa New Zealand:

We believe in the power of developmentally informed practices as a transformative, future-focused approach to learning. In Aotearoa New Zealand, our work is grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the cultural worldview of Te Ao Māori, ensuring that our practices reflect and honor the indigenous Māori culture. We support schools in:

  • Engaging with evidence-based practices that reflect what works best for students in an inclusive setting.
  • Incorporating te ao Māori and ensuring equitable representation of mātauranga, tikanga, and te reo Māori within the curriculum.
  • Supporting mana whenua in contributing to local curriculum design and acknowledging the importance of rangatahi and their unique learning contexts.

Our Global Commitment to Indigenous Cultures:

Beyond Aotearoa, we are proud to work in global contexts that recognize the rights of indigenous peoples. We believe that education should be inclusive of the cultural knowledge, traditions, and identities of First Nation peoples in every country we work in. Our practices promote equity and culturally responsive education, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions and histories of indigenous communities worldwide.

What We Believe:

Developmentally expected and informed practices are grounded in research and founded on the principle that children learn best when they are active participants in their own learning. This approach promotes:

  • Developmentally responsive learning: Learning occurs naturally through curiosity and inquiry as children explore the world. It is not confined to isolated subjects but integrated into meaningful, experiential learning.
  • Equity and inclusion: Developmentally informed practices provide equal access to the curriculum, respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds, abilities, and perspectives of all learners.
  • Intentional teaching: Teachers play an active role in scaffolding learning, gifting new knowledge, and guiding children through intentional and meaningful experiences.

How We Help Schools:

We offer a variety of services to help schools implement innovative, future-focused pedagogy that aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum and other global curricula. Our services include:

  • Ongoing research and evidence-based support to ensure teachers feel confident in their role as facilitators, knowing they are backed by sound pedagogical approaches.
  • Professional learning sessions designed to inspire and equip teachers with the knowledge and confidence to implement developmentally informed practices in their classrooms.
  • In-school support and coaching, providing tailored guidance to help schools create developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive learning environments..

Learning Beyond the Classroom:

At Longworth Education, we believe that learning unfolds naturally when children have opportunities to engage with the outside environment. By promoting outdoor experiences that foster empathy, a sense of belonging, and a connection with nature, we help learners develop essential life skills. Our goal is to create learning spaces that encourage exploration, curiosity, and growth, both inside and outside the classroom.

Join Us on the Journey:

As a social enterprise, Longworth Education is committed to working alongside schools, teachers, and communities to foster a future where all children have the opportunity to thrive. By embedding developmentally expected practices and respecting the cultural richness of Aotearoa New Zealand and the global contexts we work in, we aim to shape education that is inclusive, equitable, and future-focused, preparing learners for the challenges of tomorrow.