Improvements to homebased education welcome

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens welcomes government moves to improve the quality of home-based education.

Around 8,000 home-based educators care for around 13,000 children in their own homes, and receive government funding to deliver the early childhood curriculum in homes.

The government has announced its intention to ensure that every home-based educator has a certificate level qualification.

Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens operates 86 kindergartens in the lower North Island as well as three home-based networks catering for around 120 mainly Pasifika children, based in Porirua.

All of our educators are trained, and hold the certificate in early childhood education and care. As educators are on their own with children most of the time, the qualification provides an important safeguard for families.

Whanau Manaaki’s chief executive officer Amanda Coulston says the changes will improve the consistency of education offered in private homes.

“Homebased education is a great alternative for many families, however it is important that children receive a high quality programme from people who are skilled and knowledgable about the needs of young children.”

It is important that we move to a qualified workforce as soon as possible, and Whānau Manaaki is heartened that this has begun with Homebased Education. “ We want to see the Minister make this same commitment in the wider sector by regulating for 100% qualified registered teachers by 2023”.

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