Tiny Smiles Early Learning Centre is an independently owned boutique centre at 160 Mangorei Road in Merrilands, New Plymouth. It takes children from about three months to six years old across two classrooms. The under-twos have a quiet room with sensory and soft play, and a separate sleep room. The over-twos room has blocks, a play kitchen, and space for craft and play dough. The centre is licensed for 44 children and says it has higher teacher-to-child ratios than most. Its qualified kaiako follow the Te Whāriki curriculum through play and exploration.
The centre's outdoor area has all-weather turf, an earthen bark area, a sand pit and a vegetable garden, and the children care for two budgies named Hairy and Maclary. A homemaker cooks the meals each day, and the children say a karakia before they eat.
The centre's website lists spaces as available now. Its fees are described as affordable, with no figures given.
Our pick in Merrilands for a family wanting a small centre with a garden and a sand pit for children from babyhood to school age.