About us
Future Homebased Childcare is a family owned Dunedin business that is
passionate about children, and also share that same passion for quality care and
education of children in a home based setting. We are a ministry-licensed service
who offers quality care for children from birth through to five years of age. Home
based services have a ratio of one adult to four children with a maximum of two
children under the age of two being allowed at any one time in care.
We pride ourselves on offering families a choice in the care and education of their
children/tamariki. Our educators are contracted to care for children in their own
home, providing a safe, caring environment which meets requirements set by the
Ministry of Education for home based care providers. This is similar to
requirements for centre- based services. As all children are unique and have
different experiences, values and beliefs these are recognised and responded to in
ways that support each individual child in their learning and development. Small
ratios mean that everyday there are plenty of opportunities for one on one and
small group activities to extend your child/tamaiti and support their strengths and
interests.
Your educator
As your educator will be included in your child’s learning and development it is
important to develop a positive relationship with them, get to know them, and
share information at pick up and drop off times. If they can’t answer a question the
visiting teacher would be more than happy to try and help. All educators are police
vetted as is anyone living in their home over the age of 17.
Under two children/tamariki will have an under two diary which will be filled out
by the educator on the days your child/tamaiti attends. This will include
information such as food eaten or milk drank, sleep times, toileting/ nappies and
generally how your child’s day has been. There is also space for you to add any
comments, thoughts or share any information you feel may be important.
For older children/tamariki who are toileting or in nappies, it will be documented
in a toileting book. A food diary is also kept for any food eaten that isn’t provided
by you. This could be food offered at a playgroup or food provided by the
educator e.g. baking done with the children/tamariki.
What do you provide?
You need to provide all of the food for your child/tamaiti. It is suggested that you
always offer more food than is needed as sometimes they could be hungrier than
other days. We promote healthy eating so ask that healthy snacks are also on offer
for your child. Please bring a drink bottle too.
If your child/tamaiti is in nappies it is your responsibility to supply these and
wipes. Please ensure that there is enough for each day. Your educator will inform
you when more are needed.
As F H B C kids are busy kids we ask that a spare set of clothing both for the
warmer and cooler weather is available for the educator - these could be left at the
educator’s home. Also a hat/potae – summer/ winter, and appropriate footwear and
sunscreen.
Communication
Future Homebased Childcare encourages positive communications between
educators, the visiting teacher/kaiako, parents and families/whānau. This helps to
make sure that there are no misunderstandings, and that the needs of every child
are met.
Communication with whanau is through regular newsletters, phone contact, emails
with the visiting teacher and via our facebook page. We’d love for parents/
whanau to share things that they think relate to their child’s learning and anything
that is important/special to your whānau (family holidays, celebrations etc). This is
a great way to support and strengthen links to home and the child’s care
environment. If you celebrate something and wish to share it with the FHBC
community send an email, text or call the visiting teacher and it will be added to
the newsletter.
FHBC has policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well being of
everyone in the service. A full copy of all polices and procedures are available on
request. When these are up for review we ask for your thoughts on how it
currently works and any improvements you think may help for us to better our
practice and best support our educators and your children in this part of their
learning journey.
Other information for you
Children/tamariki also get a profile/journal book, which is filled in by your child’s
educator. Please feel free to take it home and add to it, it is yours and your child’s
book. It is a record of your child’s learning journey while they are with us. This
can include learning stories, photos, artworks and comments.
Our wonderful educators and your precious children have the support, guidance
and experience of a trained early childhood teacher who visits with the educators
at their home and also keeps in contact through regular phone and email contact.
The visits are unscheduled and undertaken monthly or more if needed so that
every child is seen at least once a month. The visiting teacher’s role is to support
the educators in the care of your children. They offer advice and guidance for
learning, development as well positive behaviour strategies. The visiting teacher is
also in contact with parents/whanau regularly to share information on their
child/tamaiti and will assist with any questions or concerns they may have.
Early childhood services operate under Te Whāriki which is New Zealand’s Early
childhood Curriculum. The name is Māori meaning ‘the mat’ it is called this as the
principals and goals that guide the curriculum weave together to support each
other in the development of the child. This reflects the holistic way that children
learn and grow. Te Whariki is used to enhance and guide the children’s learning
opportunities.
Future Homebased Childcare encourages our educators and children/tamariki to
attend play groups, music groups, and outings that occur within their community.
This helps to support the social interactions of the children and enhance their
development.
FHBC – Future Homebased Childcare - Complaints
Policy
Licensing Criteria for Home Based Education and Care Services 2008 Regulation 47, Criteria GMA1, 46/HS28
Rationale:
There may be occasions when complaints or concerns are received
about an educator or about Future Homebased Care. In the first instance of a
serious complaint the role of the visiting teacher/kaiako and director is to first
ensure the safety of the children. That all parties have the opportunity to be heard
and understood. That privacy is respected and people involved are appropriately
informed of the procedures, actions and outcomes. If needed outside agencies will
be consulted .The process will be inclusive, equitable and culturally appropriate
and reflects the partnership of Te Tiriti o Waitangi .We will endeavor to address
any concerns from family/whānau, staff members, and members of the public in a
respectful and dignified manner. We will do this through working together to
ensure that we provide the best learning opportunities and outcomes for our
children. We will do our best to resolve concerns and complaints quickly and
effectively, with the emphasis on informal resolution if possible.
Te Whāriki Children/tamariki and their families/whanau experience an
environment where they know they have a place and develop confidence allowing
them to share their thoughts/concerns with the service openly.
Objective
This policy is developed to support the children/tamariki, whānau and educators at
Future Homebased Care to ensure that any issues will be resolved swiftly and to
the best of our abilities.
Education complaints
Where the complaint or concern relates to the education of
a particular child/Tamiati, family/whānau are encouraged to discuss their concerns
with the educator in the first instance.
If there is no resolution then the matter can be taken to the visiting teacher/kaiako.
If then there is no resolution then the following procedures will be used:
 Complaints must be in writing only and addressed to the director. 
 Upon receiving the complaint it will be verbally acknowledged. 
 Any relevant documentation related to the matter will be collected and recorded
accurately by the director. 
 The matter will be addressed in writing as soon a practically possible (within 7
working days). 
 A discussion will occur between the director and the complainant. If necessary
and valid, actions will be taken. The complainant is encouraged to bring a
support person. 
 Every effort should be made by the parties to resolve concerns relating to
education. 
 Transparency in complaints is desired and anonymity is not guaranteed however
the name or identity of the complainant may be withheld. This will only be
done in exceptional circumstances. 
 Anonymous complaints will not be actioned. In the case of a serious complaint
about a breach to regulations or policies, action will be taken which is
appropriate to the circumstances. This could include instant dismissal,
suspension pending investigation and calls to other parents/whanau whom
have children in the care of the complainant if needed. An incident report
and reflection sheet may be need to be written up and given to all involved
with a full report of the procedure and outcome given. External
investigations
It is the policy of Future Homebased Care that all criminal
behaviour or offending shall be reported to the Police or other agencies.
Ministry of Education
Should a complaint not be dealt with to the
satisfaction of Family/Whānau, they are able to make a submission to:
Ministry of Education - Dunedin office 03 471 5200 
Future Homebased Childcare
Sleep Procedure
Licensing Criteria for Home Based Education and Care Services
2008 Reg 45/PF19-21, Reg 46
HS8- 10
Rationale/Intent:
The procedure aims to uphold the safety and wellbeing of
children while they are sleeping, and minimise risk of harm.
When children require a sleep, beds/stretchers will be provided in a quiet, well
ventilated room with a temperature of no less than 16c.
Beds will be placed in such a way that people will be able to move around them
and educators can tend to child from side of bed.
Beds are covered by a sheet set and extra blankets are available if
needed
Bedding will be replaced regulary after each child has used the bedding
and it will be washed by the educator.
A record of how has slept and for how long will be kept for under two’s and the
whānau of older children will be verbally informed on the day.
Educators are responsible for setting up the beds and checking children for
warmth, breathing, and general well- being while they are sleeping every 10 -15
minutes.
Educators will ensure children do not have access to food or liquids while in bed.
If not permanently set up, furniture or items intended for children to sleep on e.g
cots, stretchers etc and bedding is hygienically stored when not in use.
If a portacot is needed parents are to supply for their child.
Future Homebased Childcare – Communication
Policy
Licensing Criteria for Home Based Education and Care Services
2008 - Criterion C12, GMA3, 43/C12, 47/GMA2, 46/HS14, reg 35
Rationale
On-going and respectful communication between children, parents,
whanau, educators, visiting teachers and management is valued by FHBC and
acknowledged as vital. To achieve this a variety of communication methods will
be used to ensure that all communications are open, regular and as informative as
possible.
Te Whāriki
. Children and their families experience an environment where they
feel comfortable and confident to take part in reciprocal communication. Families
are encouraged to share in decisions concerning their children’s care and
education as we respect the aspirations that parents and whanau have for their
children.
Procedures
•Educators verbally communicate with parents daily.
 Information to parents and educators is regularly posted on our FHC Facebook
page. 
 Parents and whanau are invited to attend excursions and playgroup sessions
where they will be valued participants. 
 A Learning Journal for each child is provided for each child, we encourage
parent/whanau contributions in the form of photos, thoughts, artworks,
stories etc. these books belong to the child and their family. 
 A Daily Record book for under two children called a Under Two Daily Diary is
provided for each under two child. There is space for parents to share
information on their child and their thoughts. 
 Nappy changes and sleep times are also recorded daily for parents/whanau
information. Either in their child Under Two Daily Diary or a toileting
book for over two children. •
 Text and Email can be used as a tool for information and positive
communication. 
 Parents/whanau are invited to communicate with educators and management as
often as needed, and we value their contributions 
 Visiting teachers, educators and staff are bound by confidentiality and are not
permitted to release any information concerning a child without consent
from parents/whanau. 
 Any outings calendar is filled out to document any outings, walks etc when the
children/tamariki leave the premises 
 A permission slip is used for special outings or if leaving Dunedin area As well
as the permission given for regular outings on the enrolment form. 
 Any required documentation will be made accessible as appropriate to
parents/whanau and governments officials. Re section 319B of the
Education Act 1989. 
 Future Homebased Childcare will advise the Ministry of Education of any
changes of circumstances 
 Visiting teacher/ kaiako is available to educators by phone, email and text. 
Policy
Review

 Future Homebased Childcare Policies will be reviewed regularly by educators,
parents/whanau, visiting teachers and management. This will be achieved
through policies being distributed to educators and parents via email. 
 ERO
Reports
 All ERO reports will be made available at the FHC office. Parents and
educators can also contact the Education Review Office via their website
address ero.govt.nz to view the ERO report online. 
 Concerns
 If you have any concerns about this service, including concerns that the
service is in breach of the regulations or criteria, please refer to complaints
procedure, which outlines the procedures that should be followed. 
 Fee
Schedule and WINZ information 
 $5.65 per hour (attended rate) – applies when your child is in care 
 $5.65 per hour (attended rate) – applies if your child is absent, sick, or does not
attend but is normally contracted in care e.g. if your child is picked up
earlier than their normal attended hours. 
 $4.00 per hour(Retainer Rate)applies when at least one weeks’(5 working
days)notice of absence is given to the educator. 
 $ 3.00 per child per week resource and activity fee
*77c per kilometre - charged for any travel requested by parents and agreed to by
your educator to other programmes e.g. Kindergarten, or when deemed necessary.
*Fees need to be paid 7 days in advance and are due on the first day of care each
week.
*Fees are calculated to the nearest quarter hour.
*Parent’s that receive a WINZ Childcare Subsidy please note: Any fees incurred
are the responsibility of the parent. It is the responsibility of the parent to inform
WINZ of any changes of circumstances, which may affect their Childcare Subsidy
entitlement.
*It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to correctly complete all forms
required in order to receive 20 Hours ECE for their 3 and 4 year old children.
PLEASE NOTE: If your educator is unavailable for any reason you can arrange
care with a friend or family member (and will not be charged) Future Homebased
Childcare will do all it can to arrange an alternative educator for you at your
request. If alternate care is arranged you will be charged the normal fee whether
care is used or not
Childcare Subsidies
Childcare Subsidy is a payment through Work and Income New Zealand /
WINZ this helps families with the cost of pre- school childcare. To quality for a
Childcare Subsidy you need to be the main carer of a dependent child and are a
New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. It also depends on how much you and
your spouse or partner earn gross weekly.
To qualify for the childcare subsidy the child must be under five years old (or
under six years if you get a Child Disability Allowance for them) and attending an
early childhood programme for three or more hours a week.
If you are claiming 20 hours Early Childhood Education you cannot get Childcare
Subsidy for those hours. You may however be eligible to claim for additional
hours attended.