Porirua Home Based Early Learning

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

Learn more about fees and subsidies