Kia ora!
Kia ora!
About Home Based Early Learning
Barnardos Home Based Early Learning offers nurturing, flexible care for tamariki in Ashburton. In a safe, welcoming home environment, our educators create playful, intentional learning experiences guided by Te Whāriki – New Zealand’s Early Childhood Curriculum.
Why choose Home Based Learning:
-
Flexible, convenient care to suit your whānau
-
Nurturing, home-like environment with a dedicated educator
-
Strong, secure relationships in a small group of children
-
Local excursions and community adventures that inspire curiosity
Whether you’re looking for part or full time early learning, our Ashburton educators are ready to support your child’s learning, wellbeing, and sense of belonging. Contact us today to find your nearest educator and discover how Home Based Early Learning could work for your whānau.
Expertise & knowledge
Individualised care and attention
Community outings
Experienced in early childhood for over 55 years
Local educators
Choice of educators in your area
Care like home
Personalised support, guidance and resources
Flexible hours
Local experiences and adventures
0–6 years
Options to meet your family's needs
-
More about home based early learning
Flexibility, comforts of home, nurturing relationships...that's what Barnardos Home Based Early Learning is all about.
Flexibility for families
Home based early learning offers excellent flexibility for the whole family.
For children, care in a home setting with one educator and a familiar small group of friends feels like an extension of their own home and day-to-day life.
For parents, our flexible hours suit shift work or ‘part day’ care is available along with full time care. Plus, you’ll find your educator becomes part of the family – a trusted friend who may be able to offer extra hours, advice or support if needed.
Nurturing care in a home environment
Home based early learning offers your child learning in an environment like your own home. A dedicated educator cares for no more than four children at any time in their own home. Your child will thrive under the nurturing guidance of their educator and the secure relationships they’ll form with the other children.
Home based early learning offers your family flexibility, quality early learning and comforting care in a convenient location with around 100 Barnardos Aotearoa Home Based Educators available across the motu.
Quality early learning
There are around 100 Barnardos Aotearoa Home Based Educators across New Zealand. Each one is passionate about providing a loving and safe space for your child’s early learning.
Home based educators deliver a comprehensive program of early learning experiences – guided by Te Whariki – NZs early childhood curriculum and supported by monthly visits from a Barnardos Aotearoa Visiting Teacher. Their happy and nurturing home environments will inspire, stimulate and empower your child to learn in their own unique way.
Community connection
Alongside a routine like your child is used to at home, home based early learning educators offer a unique opportunity for community connection. Adventures to local parks and community facilities such as libraries and playgroups are just some of the activities your child will enjoy.
About our educators
Barnardos Home Based Educators share some very special qualities. They are nurturing, enthusiastic, and experienced individuals who are passionate about supporting the learning and development of the next generation of tamariki.
Experienced
Many of our educators are parents themselves or come from backgrounds in teaching, childcare, or community work. For them, being a Home Based Educator is more than a job. It is a meaningful career built around supporting children and families. This dedication means your child benefits from their care, commitment, and genuine enthusiasm every day.
Educated
We encourage our educators to continue growing their knowledge and skills. Many enrol in the Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Education, alongside completing in house learning modules and ongoing professional development. Supporting high quality educators helps ensure tamariki experience rich, meaningful learning in their early years.
Reliable and trustworthy
Your child’s safety and wellbeing is always our highest priority. All Barnardos Home Based Educators go through a careful selection process, including interviews, reference checks, and a comprehensive induction before welcoming tamariki into their homes.
Our educators are required to
-
Hold a clear Police and Children’s Worker Safety check. All members of the educator’s household aged 17 years and over must also have a clear Police check
-
Hold a current First Aid certificate, renewed every two years
-
Welcome regular visits from a Barnardos Visiting Teacher, including both scheduled and unscheduled visits
-
Maintain a safe and suitable home environment that is regularly reviewed
-
Complete induction training and ongoing professional learning to maintain their Barnardos Home Based Educator Practice Certificate and meet Ministry of Education requirements
-
Follow all Barnardos Early Learning policies, procedures, and guidelines
Copies of our policies are available from your educator or by contacting us.
Supporting the transition to school
We support tamariki to feel confident and ready for school by gradually building their independence, self regulation skills, social competence and love of learning. This includes everyday skills like caring for themselves, making choices, problem solving and working alongside others. As children get closer to starting school, our Educators work closely with parents, whānau and, where possible, local schools to ensure a smooth and positive transition. We share information, encourage school visits, and tailor support to each child so their move to school feels familiar and well supported.
We’d be happy to talk more about how we support your child’s transition to school, feel free to get in touch or chat with our team.
Fees and subsidies
We want to make your child’s early learning and care experience as accessible as possible. Childcare fees cover the cost of providing the best quality early learning and care for your child in one of our carefully selected educator's homes.
Fees vary by educator, so to find out your local educator’s fees, contact an Early Learning Advisor today.
ECE and other subsidies
Did you know Barnardos Home Based Early Learning is an approved ECE option and you may be eligible for fee subsidies?What's happening
Learning through play
Our educators use Te Whariki – NZ’s Early Childhood Curriculum – to weave early learning moments into your child’s day based on their play interests. Every Educator is supported by regular visits for a qualified visiting teacher.
Nurturing experiences
Our educators are experienced and enthusiastic nurturers who share a desire to raise the best next generation of Kiwi kids. Your child will benefit from their knowledge and passion while feeling comforted by their home like environment.
Community connection
Educators are always on the lookout for ways to encourage your child’s connection to nature, the outdoors and the local community. Excursions to the local library, parks and shops are a treasured part of your child’s day.
Stay in touch with Storypark
We use Storypark to record and communicate learning as it happens via photos, video, audio and observations within a secure online environment. Parents and whānau can receive instant feedback and plan new ways to extend their child’s unique interests and abilities.
Testimonials
"Our educator has been amazing. Her love and care is irreplaceable."
Lynn Canterbury"My sons educator is amazing with him. I love the variety of activities they get to do and how the teachers engage with the parents to achieve the best results for your child."
Nicole Canterbury"It was about finding the right carer for our daughter. It was an easy decision once we met her."
Lisa Canterbury
