Latest news with #BarnardosAotearoa
The Spinoff
30-06-2025
- General
- The Spinoff
A once-in-a-generation chance to transform early learning
For too long, postcode, income and circumstance have been getting in the way of accessing quality early learning. The ECE funding review is a rare chance to design a system that works not just for the average family, but for every family, writes Heather Taylor of Barnados Aotearoa. New Zealand stands at a crossroads. From one road, we see the one in three children under five without access to an early childhood education service. For some families, that is a choice, but for many it isn't. Barriers like cost, transport, housing insecurity and stigma keep the door firmly shut. Another road reveals the pressure the sector is under – in 2023 alone, 170 early learning services closed their doors. Right now our government is attempting to build a new road. The regulatory review of early childhood education (ECE) is complete, and the government has recently announced a ministerial advisory group to undertake a full review of the ECE funding system. This new road is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the future of the system that underpins quality ECE for our tamariki. It is especially important for those most at risk to have a new road to travel so they don't get left behind. At Barnardos Aotearoa, alongside other sector leaders, we've long advocated for this review. Through our services, we've seen how postcode, incomeand circumstance get in the way of accessing quality early learning. The cost of attendance, limited availability and systemic inequities have created barriers that far too many families cannot overcome. Barnardos is one of a few organisations in Aotearoa that combines early learning and social services. Through our integrated model, we've seen the positive impact of breaking down barriers – with fee exemptions for families doing it tough, transport support for those without any or those short on time, nutritious meals and on-site Barnardos social workers through Te Korowai Mokopuna, Barnardos' wraparound approach to ECE. But we're not alone. There are other providers across the motu also working tirelessly to reach families who might otherwise be left out, but this type of support service for our families comes at a cost and is currently not part of the ECE funding model. This is an opportunity to rebuild early childhood education, not just as a workforce solution, but as an equity investment – one that strengthens families, communities and the future of our country. With the right vision, leadership and investment, this review could spark a fairer system that truly supports every child in their first 2,000 days. Done well, early learning is one of the most powerful services we have to disrupt intergenerational disadvantage. The Dunedin Study – one of the world's most comprehensive longitudinal studies – has shown us that early investment in children's wellbeing pays lifelong dividends. ECE is about more than childcare. It's safe, nurturing spaces where children develop the social, emotional and cognitive foundations they'll need to thrive. The ministerial advisory group has been tasked with one of the most significant responsibilities in a generation: to reimagine how government investment can improve quality educational outcomes, increase affordability and access for families, and ensure services are sustainable, accessible for all and fit for the future. Sadly, the politics surrounding the review are creating division. But this review is too important to let it pull us apart. At its heart, early learning is about people – children, whānau and the kaiako who show up every day with commitment and heart. This is our chance to build something better, but only if we work together – kotahitanga. Now more than ever, we must lead with compassion, listen generously, and focus on what unites us: a shared belief in the power of quality early learning to change lives. It's time for a grown-up conversation about what our tamariki truly need. The world has changed dramatically since the ECE regulations were first written. Built over two decades ago and patched ever since, it's no longer fit for purpose. It's confusing, inequitable and disconnected from the reality of delivering quality ECE. Meanwhile, New Zealand ranks among the least affordable countries in the OECD for early learning. It's time for a reset. That's why this funding review matters. It's a rare chance to design a system that works not just for the average family, but for every family. We believe the review must do four things: We are at a critical junction. One road keeps us in a system that fails too many children and strains the services supporting them. The other leads toward a future where early learning is truly accessible, equitable, and valued. The direction we take now will shape the lives of our tamariki and our communities – for generations to come. And standing at the edge of that intersection are thousands of children and whānau waiting to see where we're headed. Let's take the road that clears the way for every child to thrive. Because when all our tamariki thrive, so does our society. And all our futures look brighter for it.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Barnardos Welcomes The New Social Investment Fund And Urges Bold Focus On Child Wellbeing
Barnardos Aotearoa is welcoming the Governments $275 million Social Investment Fund announced today, saying the initiative has real potential to transform lives especially if it puts tamariki at the heart of its investment. This is a positive … Barnardos Aotearoa is welcoming the Government's $275 million Social Investment Fund announced today, saying the initiative has real potential to transform lives — especially if it puts tamariki at the heart of its investment. 'This is a positive and timely step forward,' says Barnardos Chief Executive Officer, Matt Reid. 'If we want to improve lives long-term, we must start where it matters most — in childhood. Because we know that childhood shapes a lifetime.' This week's UNICEF global report ranked New Zealand fourth lowest out of 36 high-income countries for child wellbeing. Barnardos says the finding is a wake-up call and must influence how social investment decisions are made. 'Our frontline kaimahi support tamariki growing up facing adversity, including violent homes, families facing impossible choices between food and rent, tamariki missing out on early learning and young people calling our helpline with nowhere else to turn,' says. 'We know the challenges. We also know what works.' Barnardos is championing for two flagship solutions aligned to Government's priorities around first 2,000 days and preventing state care — Te Korowai Mokopuna and Te Korowai Rangatahi — to be considered in future phases of the fund. Both are designed and proven to create lasting change by intervening early and walking alongside children and whānau facing complex challenges. Te Korowai Mokopuna places a whānau support worker inside our Barnardos early learning services to help families overcome barriers like housing instability, intergenerational harm, mental distress and poverty — before those challenges escalate. We know this approach works: our core social services deliver a social return on investment of $18 for every $1 spent. Te Korowai Rangatahi is proposed a fully integrated Barnardos model of care, supporting rangatahi before, during, and after therapeutic residential placements – ensuring relationships and reducing future need. 'These are not short-term fixes. They are long-term investments in children's futures,' says Matt Reid. 'Because when we support children, we shape not just better individual outcomes — but a better Aotearoa for generations to come.' Barnardos looks forward to engaging with the Government and the Social Investment Agency on future funding rounds and stands ready to scale proven, child-centred solutions across the motu that will generate significate returns on investments.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Barnardos Welcomes The New Social Investment Fund And Urges Bold Focus On Child Wellbeing
Barnardos Aotearoa is welcoming the Government's $275 million Social Investment Fund announced today, saying the initiative has real potential to transform lives — especially if it puts tamariki at the heart of its investment. 'This is a positive and timely step forward,' says Barnardos Chief Executive Officer, Matt Reid. 'If we want to improve lives long-term, we must start where it matters most — in childhood. Because we know that childhood shapes a lifetime.' This week's UNICEF global report ranked New Zealand fourth lowest out of 36 high-income countries for child wellbeing. Barnardos says the finding is a wake-up call and must influence how social investment decisions are made. 'Our frontline kaimahi support tamariki growing up facing adversity, including violent homes, families facing impossible choices between food and rent, tamariki missing out on early learning and young people calling our helpline with nowhere else to turn,' says. 'We know the challenges. We also know what works.' Barnardos is championing for two flagship solutions aligned to Government's priorities around first 2,000 days and preventing state care — Te Korowai Mokopuna and Te Korowai Rangatahi — to be considered in future phases of the fund. Both are designed and proven to create lasting change by intervening early and walking alongside children and whānau facing complex challenges. Te Korowai Mokopuna places a whānau support worker inside our Barnardos early learning services to help families overcome barriers like housing instability, intergenerational harm, mental distress and poverty — before those challenges escalate. We know this approach works: our core social services deliver a social return on investment of $18 for every $1 spent. Te Korowai Rangatahi is proposed a fully integrated Barnardos model of care, supporting rangatahi before, during, and after therapeutic residential placements – ensuring relationships and reducing future need. 'These are not short-term fixes. They are long-term investments in children's futures,' says Matt Reid. 'Because when we support children, we shape not just better individual outcomes — but a better Aotearoa for generations to come.' Barnardos looks forward to engaging with the Government and the Social Investment Agency on future funding rounds and stands ready to scale proven, child-centred solutions across the motu that will generate significate returns on investments.
Scoop
22-04-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Barnardos Welcomes The Beginning Of ECE Sector Review Changes And Remains Committed To Ensuring Teacher-led ECE Thrives
Barnardos Aotearoa is encouraged that Cabinet has listened, heard, and agreed to 15 changes to modernise and simplify Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulations following on from the Sector Review findings last year identifying out-of-date rules, unnecessary compliance costs and duplication of auditing. 'It's encouraging to see the review progressing and the recommendations considered by Cabinet in such a short time. This gives us hope that tamariki are being put first, and that they will be able to access a greater quality of early care and education in Aotearoa,' says Heather Taylor, Barnardos Aotearoa Chief Operating Officer. 'We look forward to understanding the details behind the implementation of these recommendations, and we will prioritise working in partnership with the Ministry of Education to progress these into meaningful actions to make a tangible difference to long-standing community providers like Barnardos Aotearoa.' Barnardos remains committed to teacher-led ECE and we are concerned Review Recommendations 9 and 10 could potentially dilute qualified teaching workforce and undermine the quality of education tamariki deserve. 'We believe that if you want children to be school-ready, you must put teachers in front of tamariki. At Barnardos Early Learning, our home-based visiting teachers, centre managers and management are all qualified teachers – we know this has positive impacts for learning outcomes of all the tamariki we serve and builds strong foundations for the future.' This is about investing in tamariki, and therefore the future our Aotearoa. We know the first 2,000 days of as child's life is crucial in their brain development and positively impacts on their life trajectory. These reforms must not come at the cost of quality teaching practice, or the safety and wellbeing of children. Barnardos invites the Ministry of Education to engage meaningfully with the sector as the legislative and regulatory changes proceed. Barnardos wants to be part of the change that will enhance the safety, access, and integrity of teacher-led ECE in Aotearoa for all tamariki and whānau. As a not-for-profit provider of early learning for over 55 years, Barnardos creates barrier-free access to quality early learning and brighter futures for tamariki. We are proud to have been advocating to Government for change and improvement of regulations supporting both the education and the protection of tamariki, while also ensuring the ongoing viability of ECE service provision. About Barnardos Barnardos Aotearoa is New Zealand's leading national children's charity, working across child and family social services, early childhood education, and systemic advocacy for children and young people. Barnardos tackles the hard stuff; family poverty and income inequality, family violence and abuse, mental health and wellbeing, equal access to early childhood education, and lack of the basics such as safe and healthy housing. At Barnardos, thriving tamariki, whānau, and communities are at the heart of our work. We believe in the strength and resilience of tamariki and rangatahi, even when faced with profound challenges. Our values prioritise relationships, partnerships, and collaboration, and we are dedicated to creating sustainable, long-term change for children and young people across Aotearoa.
