Typically responds within
A few hours
Vacancies
Taking enrolments
Why parents choose Tiny Smiles?
Looking for a nurturing, safe, and genuinely caring place for your little one? At Tiny Smiles, we don’t just look after tamariki — we build strong, loving relationships that help them thrive from day one.
* We know mornings can be hectic, so we’re open from 6:45am to support those early starts. From the moment your child arrives, they’re welcomed into a calm, warm environment designed especially for young tamariki.
* Forget the daily lunchbox rush — we’ve got it covered. Your child will enjoy nutritious, home-cooked meals throughout the day, including breakfast, all included in your fees.
* Our dedicated baby space gives our littlest learners a peaceful place to rest and grow, complete with cosy sleep cots for those essential daytime naps.
* What really sets us apart is our higher teacher-to-child ratios. This means more one-on-one time, stronger bonds, and care that’s never rushed — just attentive, responsive, and full of aroha.
* We’re a smaller centre (maximum of 44 children), creating a close-knit, family feel right here in Merrilands, New Plymouth. Plus, our large outdoor area gives children the freedom to explore, move, and build those all-important motor skills every day.
Our philosophy at Tiny Smiles is Inspire..Learn..Grow so every day is filled with meaningful moments — sharing kai with friends, digging in the sandpit, discovering new ideas, and building confidence through play. Expect plenty of laughs, lots of cuddles, and a space where your child’s creativity and friendships flourish.
Kia ora & welcome to Tiny Smiles – where little learners feel right at home 💛 Come and see the Tiny Smiles difference for yourself:
WINTER PROMOTION -
* OFFER - Enrol for three days & have a day free (must include a Friday) / Enrol for four days for the price of three!
Enrol your little one with us & receive a free Friday. We have some spaces opening up so come & grab one before they go! (Ts&Cs are in there somewhere).
🌐 Visit: www.tinysmiles.co.nz / 📧 Email: admin@tinysmiles.nz / 📞 Call: 06 757 2289
Spaces are limited — reach out today and give your child the best start in a place that truly cares.
Our Philosophy
Inspire..learn..grow
We collaborate with whanaungatanga (family and whanau) to co-create a curriculum that aligns with the hopes and dreams held for all children in the community.
Guided by Te Whãriki, we:
Whakamanawa (Inspire) by:
· Sparking the interest and desire to try something new and step outside the comfort zone
· Encourage and supporting, in the knowledge that everyone is deserving
· Build on new ideas and theories about the world
· Being a role model and sharing our gifts and talents in relevant and meaningful ways
Ako (Learn) by:
· Continually developing and encourage our curiosity and be open to new experiences
· Being aware and extending knowledge, skills and disposition as a learner
· Having a two way street where we seek to challenge our thinking together through dialogue
Tuputupu (Grow) through:
· Natural unfolding development ensuring the wellbeing of all
· Confidence to be who you are
· Improving – opening our minds to new ways of knowing
· Reflecting and striving to be more
Poipoia te kakano; Kia puawai – Nurture the seed and it will blossom
Our Vision / to mātau kitenga
He mokowā haumaru e tipu ai te tangata me te kimi i te whakahau kia whakawhiwhia ki ngā akoranga hou me te mōhio ki tō rātou kaha katoa
A safe space where people grow and find the motivation to embrace new learning and realise their full potential
Our Mission / to mātau mahi
Hei whakarato i tētahi taiao whakaako taunaki me te akoranga e nui ai tātau rerekētanga i roto i tō tātau iwi i runga i ngā huarahi karihi, e whakarongo ana kia mārama, kia noho hoki ki konei
To provide a rich teaching and learning environment where we make a big difference in our community in atomic ways, listening to understand and be present
Our Purpose / to mātau whāinga
Hei waihanga i tētahi taiao haumaru e taea ai, e whai hua ana hoki te katoa, mā te whakarato wheako tūāpapa mā ngā pātahitanga mō te angitu i roto i te mātauranga me te ora hei putanga tino pai rawa o rātau anō
To create a safe environment where everyone is capable and valued, providing foundational experiences through relationships for success in education and life to be the best version of themselves
“Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro nōnā te ngahere; Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga nōnā te ao”
The bird that consumes the miro berry owns the forest; the bird that consumes knowledge owns the world