---
title: Tiny Nation Educator - Hutt Valley - Mandy Smith
description: Meet our Tiny Nation educators. Visit our educators' webpages, explore their profiles, their philosophies, their learning environments and programmes.
image: https://info.tinynation.co.nz/hubfs/Mandy%20Smith%20%20-%20Educator%20Webpage%20Featured%20Image.png
---
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# Mandy
Tiny Nation Educator - Epuni, Hutt Valley
[Enquire Now](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/)
### About Me
I have been a home-based educator for 10 years. I took a break early on in my ECE career but I returned to it after having my daughter, I realised that office work wasn't for me and that my passion is for early learning and care. Home-based education offers children a very special opportunity to learn and grow in a small and personal environment.
## Places We Like To Visit
## Tiny Nation events Wild Things nature play Local walks and parks Local playgrounds
## My Availability
I am available Monday-Friday, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm.
From August, I have space on Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30 am-3:30 pm (flexible), currently for an over-2 or under-2-year-old. I could also offer Wednesdays as well for either over or under
## My Philosophy
I believe that children thrive in a home-based environment, where they benefit from personal attention and care, with lots of one-on-one time. It's an environment that can cater to different, individual needs and interests and provide personalised opportunities for learning.
I see my role as providing learning opportunities to extend individual interests, that cater to the age and stage of the child. I identify what those current interests are and provide resources and facilitate outings to develop these.
## My Environment
I live in Epuni, in Lower Hutt, Wellington.
My home is set up to support our learning programme, with a separate playroom full of resources. Children each have their own room to sleep, to ensure they get the rest that they need to enjoy their day. I have a great outside space too and pets that the children can help care for.
Outings are incorporated into our week, any day we can go out and about to explore and discover we will! Our group really big on music and dancing, and the children love playing dress-ups. Outside they explore the stepping stones, swings, slides, bikes and they love water play. We enjoy arts and crafts, baking, painting and the monthly resource activities provided by Tiny Nation.
## My Training
I hold the New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education. I also have a current first-aid certificate and I have completed a Child Protection professional development course.
### Family Testimonials
#### "Delivering Phenomenal Care" 
Amanda (Mandy) has cared for both our children from babies to pre-primary age. We have adorned her with the affectionate nickname of 'Mandypoppins' - which speaks volumes about the phenomenal care she delivers! Mandy provides a warm and loving environment. She understands children's developmental needs, nurtures positive relationships, and supports their inquisitiveness. She provides a safe and secure space, with various activities, games, and toys to encourage fun play. Mandy has provided our children with the fundamental building blocks to develop their own identities, and as a parent, I have felt nothing but informed, supported, and reassured.
[Enquire Now](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/)
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- [EDUCATORS](https://tinynation.co.nz/educators/)
- [CONTACT US](https://tinynation.co.nz/contact-us/)
**CONTACT US**
[0800 846 9628](tel:08008469628)
[info@tinynation.co.nz](mailto:info@tinynation.co.nz)
PO Box 8703, Havelock North
Hawke’s Bay 4157
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