Free “works” in-home child care provider

Media Statement January 29 2010

Free ECE Hours “works” for New Zealand’s largest in-home child care provider

New Zealand’s largest provider of in-home child care PORSE says government funding for 20 hours ECE is having a positive impact, refuting claims that the funding is inadequate, as reported in the media this week.

PORSE committed to 20 hours ECE for 3 and 4 year olds when the initiative was first introduced by the Labour government in 2005.

PORSE founding director Jenny Yule confirmed that the policy is achieving the government’s aim of increasing participation in pre-school education of 3 and 4 year olds in neighbourhoods with greatest need.

“The growth of our services in lower decile areas, such as Manukau shows that the message of providing 3 and 4 year olds with a rich early learning programme prior to starting school, is working.”

PORSE’s expansion of services throughout New Zealand is in direct contrast to Barnardo’s reported closures in the Rodney district due to the costs associated with offering free places to 3 and 4 year olds.

The report comes just weeks after home-based provider Easy Mind was put into liquidation affecting families throughout the country.

Ms Yule suggests that home based services facing financial or resource difficulties in light of the free 20 hours ECE may need to review the structure of how they deliver services and not blame the “free” policy.

“In contrast to large group childcare where children have multiple carers, home based services need to expand, to give families more options when choosing a person who fits with their family and cultural values.”

Further comment made by the Family Day Care Association that capacity for providing care for under 2’s had been reduced by the policy is also questioned by PORSE.

Ms Yule agreed that the demand for care for children over 3 had increased in-line with the “free” funding but that had not stopped the ability of PORSE to also care for babies and under 3’s.

“We are constantly recruiting and training new educators to meet the demands for in-home childcare, with no shortage of places for under 2’s.”

Government funding for 3 and 4 year olds is also being extended to kohanga reo and play centre services later this year.

Ms Yule confirmed that government funding allowed PORSE to subsidise and maintain affordability of home childcare to families - often perceived as the Rolls Royce model of childcare.

“We continue to invest financially into up-skilling our nannies and home educators who do this most important work for families and community.

“It would be a backward step to generalize and say that this policy does not work for the sector. In-Home childcare impacts positively on early parenting and gives young children a wonderful natural environment to be raised in.”

Ms Yule, who sits on the Executive Committee for the NZ Infant Mental Health Association, said under 2’s benefitted most from a consistent attachment relationship in small groups, to support early brain development.

- ends -