Early learning that feels just like home
Home Based Early Learning is early childhood education in a small, home setting, where your child is cared for by a dedicated Educator alongside a small group of tamariki.
With no more than four children in each home, this approach offers a calm, nurturing environment where your child can feel safe, settled, and supported to learn and grow.
What learning looks like in a Home Based setting
In a Home Based setting, your child is part of a familiar home environment where learning happens naturally through play, relationships, and everyday routines.
Each day is shaped around the tamariki, with a balance of play, rest, and meaningful learning experiences. This includes creative play, reading, outdoor exploration, local outings, and being part of everyday community life.
With consistent care from the same Educator, children build secure attachments that support their confidence, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
What a day might look like
Every home is a little different, but your child’s day will often include:
- A warm welcome and time to settle in
- Play based learning tailored to their interests and stage of development
- Outdoor play and exploration
- Quiet moments for rest, sleep, or reading
- Shared routines like meals and tidy up time
- Outings in the local community, such as walks, playgroups, or library visits
Throughout the day, learning is guided by Te Whāriki, supporting your child’s development in a natural and meaningful way.
Our Home Based Educators
We know that the person caring for your child matters just as much as the environment they are in.
Our Home Based Educators are carefully selected for their warmth, experience, and passion for supporting tamariki. Many are parents themselves or have backgrounds in education, and all are committed to providing high quality care in their own homes.
Before welcoming children, each Educator completes a comprehensive induction process. They are also required to hold, or be working towards, a Level 4 Certificate in Early Childhood Practice, as set by the Ministry of Education.
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"We love our Educator. Love the philosophy and the support we receive. We enjoy the personal connection we receive (more like family)."
Natalie l Auckland
How we ensure quality and safety
We take great care in selecting and supporting our Home Based Educators, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, capable hands.
All Barnardos Home Based Educators go through a thorough selection and onboarding process, including interviews, reference checks, and a comprehensive induction programme.Police and safety checks
All Home Based Educators hold a current Police check and Children’s Worker Safety check. Every household member aged 17 and over is also required to have a clear Police check.
First aid certification
Educators maintain a current First Aid certificate, which is renewed every two years to ensure up to date knowledge and readiness in an emergency.
Ongoing Visiting Teacher support
Educators work closely with a qualified Barnardos Visiting Teacher, including at least one scheduled and one unannounced visit each month to support quality practice and care.
Safe home environments
Each home is regularly visited and checked to ensure it is safe, secure, and suitable for tamariki to learn, play, and grow in.
Training and professional development
Educators complete an in-depth induction and ongoing professional development, maintaining their Barnardos Home Based Educator Practice Certificate and meeting Ministry of Education requirements.
Policies and best practice
Educators follow all Barnardos Early Learning policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure consistent, high quality care and education for every child.
Why whānau choose Barnardos Home Based Early Learning
We are one of the first Home Based Early Learning providers in Aotearoa and have been supporting tamariki and whānau through this approach for over three decades.
Flexible care that works around your whānau
Home Based Early Learning is designed to fit around your family’s routines, not the other way around. Care is arranged in partnership with you and your Educator, supporting working hours, changing schedules, and the everyday realities of family life. This flexibility helps create consistency for your child while still meeting your needs.
A calm, home like environment
Your child is cared for in a warm, familiar home setting where they can feel safe, settled, and relaxed. The environment is calm, which supports children who benefit from a quieter space to build confidence, explore at their own pace, and form secure attachments.
Small group care with low ratios
With no more than four tamariki in each home, and a maximum of two under two, your child receives meaningful one on one attention throughout the day. This allows Educators to respond closely to each child’s needs, interests, and stage of development.
Strong, nurturing relationships
Children build deep, consistent relationships with their Educator, who becomes a trusted and familiar presence in their daily life. These secure relationships help children feel emotionally safe, supported, and ready to learn, while also forming friendships with a small group of peers.
Everyday community connections
Learning extends beyond the home through regular walks, playgroups, library visits, and local experiences. These outings help tamariki feel connected to their community and give real life meaning to their learning in a natural, unhurried way.
Learning guided by Te Whāriki
Your child’s learning is supported by Aotearoa New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki. Educators observe, plan, and respond to each child’s interests and development, with regular support from qualified Visiting Teachers to ensure high quality learning outcomes.
What happens next?
If Home Based Early Learning feels right for your whānau, the next step is simply to get in touch with us.
From there, we’ll guide you through the process in a calm and supportive way so you always know what to expect.1. Get in touch
You can register your interest through our Contact Us page. A member of our team will respond to you by phone or email to start a conversation about your needs, preferences, and availability.
2. Chat with a Community Coordinator
One of our Community Coordinators will talk with you about your child, your whānau, and what you are looking for. This helps us understand the best possible match for your family, including location and Educator availability.
3. Meet your Educator
If there is a suitable match, we will organise a meet and greet between you, your child, and the Educator. This gives you the chance to get to know them, see the home environment, and ask any questions.
If it doesn’t feel quite right, we can explore other Educators with you.
4. Enrolment and next steps
Once you have chosen to proceed, a Visiting Teacher or Community Coordinator will support you with the enrolment process. This can take place in your home or another agreed location, where we complete the necessary paperwork together.
We’ll also talk you through your start date, transition plan, and anything else you need to feel prepared.
5. Getting started
Once enrolment is confirmed, we’ll work with you and your Educator to plan a smooth start for your child. We take time to ensure the transition feels settled, supportive, and right for your whānau.
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