MEDIA STATEMENT
JANUARY 8 2013
New Stronger Voice to Lead Home-Based ECE Sector in Government Review
New Zealand’s home-based childcare providers are uniting as a new and stronger voice to lead the sector when it comes
under Government review this year.
The Home Education Learning Organisation (HELO) will represent and advocate for home-based early childhood education
(ECE) in the teacher-led sector.
Its inaugral members PORSE, PAUA, Au Pair Link and Home Grown Kids represent the majority of providers in the home-based
sector across New Zealand and are welcoming all other providers to join them.
HELO president Jenny Yule said as a national organisation HELO was looking forward to engaging with Government on the
upcoming review of home-based ECE and putting forward the views of its members.
Our traditional model of childcare is the right way forward for delivering early childhood care and education that
improves learning outcomes for children in later years.
“In-home childcare, the fastest growing sector for under two year olds, has for too long been without a strong voice
representing us at a Government level. Together, we have the power to be heard, to be recognised and to become a far
greater influencer and advocate.
Ms Yule, who has over 30 years’ broad experience in all areas of education and has successfully grown the trusted brand
PORSE, says HELO marks a turning point in the industry.
The home-based sector needs Government to believe in what families and researchers have been saying about the postive
benefits that arise for health, housing, work and the economy when home-based childcare and education arrangements work
well, she said.
“Home-based ECE currently represents 9% of the ECE sector but has been marginalised by the bigger players, at the
expense of not having our babies and young children educated in home and community learning environments, with a
one-on-one carer who creates strong connections for learning,” Ms Yule said.
HELO members will be presenting evidence-based research in the pending Home-Based ECE review that highlights the social,
emotional and financial returns that home-based care and education delivers - not only for under fives, but also for
society.
“Young children rely on us big people to get it right – and it’s time to recognise and support the benefits that flow
on through our education, health and welfare system when we put our money back into creating safe homes and security for
our children from birth,” she says.
HELO’s shared vision is to maintain and raise the standards of the sector with a commitment to working in partnership
with the Ministry of Education in order to achieve high quality care and education outcomes with a cost benefit return
for the New Zealand taxpayer.
“We know our New Zealand education, health and welfare system is under-performing and that the finger needs to be
pointed back to the changes we can collectively make when working in homes with children, as this is the most important
work we undertake as human beings – to love, care and build lifetime relationships,” says Ms Yule.
“HELO believes in quality learning experiences and education from 0 to 5 years in family-focused home environments.
Collectively, we represent over 9,000 children and over 4,000 educators, nannies, and au pairs. Our work has been
praised by numerous Educational Review Office reports and reviews,” says Ms Yule.
“By licensing and reviewing us to such high standards, the Government has already acknowledged the quality services that
young minds need in order to thrive and grow.”
HELO is excited about engaging with the review and is confident that the Ministry will appreciate its leadership when
consulting with, and seeking feedback from the sector, she said.
ENDS
HELO comprises founding members PORSE, PAUA, Au Pair Link and Home Grown Kids; four of the largest home-based providers
in the home-based ECE sector. HELO’s members catering to more than 50% of the children enrolled in home-based services
nationwide.