Home-based ECE review
Consultation update: 19 December 2012
The consultation on the review of home-based early childhood education has been deferred until 2013. With a number of businesses closed and people away over the holiday period, deferring the timelines for this review until after the holiday will ensure that the early childhood sector and the public have every opportunity to provide input through the consultation process. We will provide more information on how the review will proceed in the New Year.
All home-based early childhood education (ECE) providers have been advised of the deferment by letter. You can download a copy of this letter from the right hand side of this page.
Release of advice related to the review of Home-based ECE
The Minister of Education, Hon Hekia Parata, has released the advice she received from Ministry of Education officials prior to announcing the review of Home-based Early Childhood Education. This document is being released in response to public interest in the issues addressed by the Ministry of Education in its advice to the Government.
This is available in PDF format only. If you are unable to read the document or have any questions, please email ece.info@minedu.govt.nz.
You can download the full document from the right-hand side of this page.
Why is the review necessary?
The review is in response to recommendations made in reports by the ECE Taskforce and two Sector Advisory Groups which were established to focus on improving the quality of ECE services. Their reports found that a review of home-based services has the potential to raise overall quality and improve the accountability of home-based networks.
Home-based ECE is the most rapidly growing part of the ECE sector and has a high proportion of enrolments of children aged less than two years.
It has an important role to play in the Government’s priority for all children in New Zealand to have access to high quality early childhood education before starting school.
What will the review involve?
The review will begin with the re-examination of current definitions and the purpose of home-based ECE to ensure they align with the Government’s broader goals and priorities for ECE. Changes in regulations, licensing practices and funding may be required.
When will it happen?
The Ministry of Education will undertake the review which is expected to be completed late in 2013.
Will there be consultation?
Ministry will consult with the home-based ECE sector on proposed changes before final decisions are made. Please refer to the information at the top of this page for an update about the consultation process.
When will any changes take place?
Changes will be implemented from late 2013 onwards. Further details will be provided once the review is complete.
Will the wider ECE funding review impact on this review in any way?
The review of ECE funding will inform the review of home-based education and care.