Kidstart - The New Generation Of Home-Based Care And Learning
Barnardos, New Zealand’s largest child-focused community organisation, is leading the way in childcare services with
today’s launch of ‘KidStart’, the new generation of home-based care for children from birth to 5 years. KidStart
combines top quality care in the home of a Caregiver with a learning-through-play programme, and is approved by the
Ministry of Education.
Mark Wells, Barnardos Group Manager, says “KidStart has a strong emphasis on partnership and professionalism. Visiting
teachers will work closely with parents in developing an individually tailored learning programme, and then alongside
the KidStart Caregiver in delivering that programme. This programme is based on the Ministry of Education’s Early
Childhood Curriculum – Te Whariki. In addition, the low KidStart Caregiver to child ratio of maximum of one to four
supports the learning process.”
KidStart Caregivers are carefully selected and professionally trained. As well as thorough checks on the Caregivers
themselves, other members of the household are checked, as is the home itself to ensure that it complies with Ministry
of Education standards to ensure a welcoming environment where the child can learn safely through play.
Home-based childcare combines the benefits of other childcare options with the warmth and intimacy of growing up at
home. It offers individual attention and learning opportunities to children in a small, family-like setting.
Currently, 9,500 children aged 0-5 years participate in home-based childcare and 5,000 of those are through Barnardos
home-based care facilities.
Barnardos home-based childcare services have been operating nationally for over 25 years and have proven a popular
childcare option for parents, particularly those of very young children. KidStart looks to build on this successful
formula of fun and learning in a safe and welcoming home environment.
Existing Barnardos home-based family day care services will become part of the KidStart programme from this month and
will offer affordable prices and flexible hours throughout convenient locations nationwide.