Why educators are choosing Barnardos
Have you ever felt like you've lost your professional spark? For early childhood educator Amy Philips, that feeling became all too real as the passion she once had for her work began to dim. She found it again by making a change - to becoming a Barnardos Home Based Educator.
A growing number of childhood educators are discovering the unique benefits of home based education, a model that offers greater flexibility, autonomy, and a chance to build deeper connections with children and their families. This shift allows educators to create a learning environment in their own home, providing a career that adapts to their family life while helping tamariki learn and grow.
Amy began her career as a nanny, but after having her own children, her priorities changed. She wanted to continue working in a field she was passionate about while being present for her own tamariki. Home based education provided the perfect solution.
“I’ve always loved watching children grow and learn,” Amy explains. “Being able to do that in my own home, in my own style and way, is really special.”
Now, with her oldest child at school and her youngest still at home, she gets to see her own child build friendships every day.
“It’s like having friends over all the time. He loves sharing his space and his toys. I love seeing my child interacting with other children in our home.”
The appeal extends beyond just the flexibility of working from home. For many, it’s about being part of a supportive community. When Amy joined the Barnardos network, she reconnected with educators she had known years ago.
“The educators are so open and friendly,” she says. “At playgroups, everyone is welcoming and genuinely happy to see you. It’s like a spiderweb. You get to know everyone, and everyone is helpful.”
This sense of whānau (family) is underpinned by strong organisational support. Having access to knowledgeable visiting teachers who can provide immediate answers and guidance makes a significant difference.
“The systems are really solid,” Amy notes. “You don’t get passed around when you ask a question. Everything feels straightforward and well-structured.” This clarity and support have been crucial in helping her feel confident and empowered in her role.
Amy joined Barnardos through the $3,500 welcome bonus offer* and wondered if the bonus would truly live up to its promise.
“The offer is really achievable. The terms and conditions aren’t hard. And the support from Barnardos Early Learning has been incredible.”
The demand from families for quality home based care also surprised her. Before she was even fully set up, families were already waiting.
“It felt almost too good to be true. I felt like there were children lining up to come on board.”
This high demand reflects a wider trend of parents seeking more personalised, nurturing environments for their children’s early learning.
Stepping away from a familiar agency or centre can feel like a big leap. It requires letting go of established relationships and embracing a new way of working. However, for educators like Amy, the move has been overwhelmingly positive.
Her story is proof that the $3,500 welcome bonus is real, the support is genuine, and the sense of whānau (family) at Barnardos runs deep.
For anyone considering joining as a Home Based Educator, Amy’s experience shows that sometimes the right move is the one that reignites your passion and reminds you why you started in the first place.
Barnardos educators can care for a maximum of four children under six years old. This small group setting means deeper bonds, more individual attention, and a closer relationship with each child’s whānau (family), which is something parents highly value.
A trusted reputation
With over 55 years of experience, Barnardos brings credibility and reassurance to both educators and families. For anyone considering a career pivot, the message is clear: you can have the freedom of self-employment without the isolation. Home based education offers the chance to shape young lives and your own career, with solid backing every step of the way.
Article written and published by Stuff. Read original article here.
*This $3,500 welcome bonus is available now, but may not always be. Contact us to confirm current offers.
