Home-based ECE Supported to Grow
Nurture@Home Early Learning warmly welcomes the recent announcement by Associate Education Minister David Seymour regarding modifications to the qualification requirements for Home-Based Early Childhood Education (ECE) services. These changes offer greater flexibility in training options for Home-Based Educators, which is a significant advancement for the Home-Based sector. By reducing regulatory barriers, this initiative aims to enhance access to quality early childhood education for more families. We believe these positive developments will support parents/whānau needing childcare and create nurturing environments for children to thrive, reflecting our heartfelt commitment to fostering early learning opportunities in our communities.
Service Manager, Janelle Gardiner says “We are truly delighted to learn that Home-Based providers now enjoy increased flexibility in supporting Educators who are embarking on new careers. This change allows for on-the-job training without the burdensome red tape, making it significantly easier for families to access the essential care they need, enabling us to continue our commitment to fostering positive outcomes for our tamariki/children”. As of 1 January 2025, the new expectation is that 100 percent of Educators are either fully qualified or in training to be qualified, within six months of first starting as an Educator. These changes introduced are part of a wider Government effort to reduce red tape in the early learning sector. Nurture@Home agrees that this is a great first step in breaking down barriers in Home-Based ECE. We want to assure families/whānau that all Educators will continue to receive training and actively engage in their professional development. This change allows us to expand our reach and fulfil our mission of providing quality care and education for every child. We are excited about the opportunities this new flexible framework offers to our Educators and the families/whānau we serve.
“The lifting of these strict restrictions is a game changer for us! No longer do we have to turn away dedicated Educators simply because they do not possess the required formal qualifications and our percentage of Educators currently in training was already at its maximum. Now, we can embrace untrained Educators and stay-at-home parents, opening doors to exciting career pathways filled with possibilities. This shift not only empowers our team but also allows us, as Home-Based providers, to meet the increasing demand for our services with warmth and dedication. Together, we can continue to create a vibrant community that nurtures growth and fosters a love for learning!” says Janelle.
Nurture@Home is deeply committed to Home-Based care, recognising its unique ability to provide nurturing environments with smaller ratios and personalised attention. Our approach not only fosters safety but also promotes real-life learning experiences that enrich children’s lives with extensive research demonstrating the remarkable long-term benefits of Home-Based Early Childhood Education (ECE), showing that children thrive in these settings. Across the country, parents, whānau, teachers, and Educators have shared their heartfelt testimonials, with many expressing profound satisfaction with the home-based ECE services they receive or work in. It’s inspiring to see the Government listening to our voices—service providers and community members alike—and making a commitment to the future of home-based ECE. Together, we can create a brighter, more supportive path for our children.