Meet Wendy Allen

Meet Wendy, our home based educator from Porirua

How long have you been working with Barnardos Early Learning?

I have been working for Barnardos Early Learning for almost a year. I am a returning home based educator, I worked for Barnardos for over 10 years previously before qualifying as an ECE Teacher.

Why did you want to work with Barnardos Early Learning?

I have decided to return to Barnardos Early Learning home based education and care so that I can work from home. I really enjoy working with young children and their families.

What’s your favourite thing about working for Barnardos Early Learning?

Small ratios provide the children in my home with opportunities to learn together and alongside one another in a family like setting. Where I can provide one-on-one learning opportunities as well as small group learning opportunities. 

What’s your favourite feature about your home based network?

My favourite thing about working in Porirua is the richness of a multicultural community. I enjoy working with children and their families of different cultures so we can share knowledge and customs with each other.

What’s your favourite thing about being a home based educator?

The favourite part of my home based setting is my outdoor play area. It is a nice, sheltered area with both artificial and real grass areas. I have a lot of fun equipment and resources and gardens for children to engage and challenge themselves with.

I have a variety of shelter options to keep the children shaded from the sun in the hotter seasons. I also have a huge range of toys and resources for indoor learning opportunities, including pretend play, music and movement, playdough, painting, and cooking. 

My favourite things about being a home based educator is being able to work with babies and toddlers in a setting that is similar to being at home. I feel that home based settings can be a better option for some children as opposed to centres with a larger number of children and less teachers.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself

I am the proud mum of 3 grown up men a stepson to another. I am also a proud nana to 7 amazing grandchildren ranging in ages from 26 to 5. And I have a little dog and a caring partner that I adore.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

If I could travel anywhere in the world it would be returning to Bali where I have been to twice already. I love the culture there and the people are so friendly and caring.

What’s one thing on your bucket list?

On my bucket list would be to go to Borneo to visit an orangutan rehabilitation centre as Orangutans are my favourite animals.