What’s been happening in our Home Based services

Home Based early learning is all about personalised attention, nurturing relationships, and learning that feels just like home. Across Aotearoa, our tamariki and educators have been exploring, discovering, and creating special memories together. From sensory adventures in nature to hands-on community experiences, here’s a glimpse of some of the exciting activities happening in our home based whānau. 

A sunny trip to the Lavender Farm in Wānaka 
Otago Home Based whānau enjoyed a magical day at the Lavender Farm in Wānaka. Tamariki explored the gardens, discovered new textures and smells, and connected with nature alongside their educators. The sensory-rich environment provided the perfect setting for learning, fun, and celebrating the year’s mahi. 

An exciting fire truck visit 
Our Auckland Home Based tamariki had an unforgettable visit from the Mt Roskill Fire Crew. They learned about fire safety, explored a real fire truck, and even got to spray the water hose. The excitement and curiosity from the tamariki lasted long after the visit. 

Exploring the Coach House Museum 
Tamariki and educators from Manawatū visited The Coach House Museum in Feilding for a hands-on community experience. They explored historic farm machinery, horse-drawn vehicles, native birds, and even helped make rope using traditional methods. The tamariki loved exploring the replica classroom and riding a horse-drawn carriage, creating memories of history and learning they’ll treasure. 

Meeting native wildlife at the Ngā Manu Nature Reserve 
Paraparaumu Home Based and Kāpiti Home Based tamariki spent a joyful day exploring Ngā Manu Nature Reserve. They fed the ducks, wandered through native bush, and worked together to uncover pretend moa bones in the sandpit. A picnic lunch was followed by meeting a kea family, spotting a kererū resting high in the trees, and discovering tuatara and skinks while learning about caring for our wildlife. The kiwi was having a quiet sleep which gives us the perfect excuse to return soon. What a beautiful way to learn about our native wildlife and the importance of caring for our environment. Ka pai tamariki. 

A bear hunt adventure 
Our Rakaia Home Based tamariki turned a regular morning into a bear hunt! After sharing morning tea at the park, they explored the grassy hills, and trees just like a real bear hunt. Tamariki climbed trees, discovered sticks that became tools for play, and enjoyed digging in dirt that sparked imaginative conversations. A highlight was finding an empty birds nest that had fallen from a tree. We had to take that home to investigate it further. It was a fun morning filled with movement, excitement, and joyful exploring together. 

These stories are just a small glimpse into the rich learning through play that happens every day in our Home Based services. Behind every moment are our incredible Home Based Educators who create nurturing spaces where tamariki feel confident to explore the world around them. We are deeply grateful for the care, creativity, and dedication they bring to our Barnardos Early Learning whānau, and we celebrate the amazing mahi they do for our tamariki and communities.