Mini Masterminds Merrylands sees innovation as a driver for development in our Minis. Their inclusive extra-curricular activities encourage diversity and inclusion, ensuring every child feels accepted and develops the ability to think, imagine and play freely.

Sports Program: For our Minis aged 2 and up, the centre offers the ‘Mini Champions’ sports program. This encourages children to gain fitness regardless of their athletic ability, and helps build self-esteem and confidence.

Language Program: Our Minis are taught languages by qualified and experienced language teachers, further developing and strengthening their cognitive function and problem-solving skills.

Yoga Program: Each week our Minis aged 2 and up will take part in ‘Mini Yoga Club’ at the centre. This practice is associated with learning, memory and regulating emotions.

Cooking Program: Our Minis take part in the ‘Mini Chefs’ cooking class, a fun hands-on class that encourages children to experiment in the kitchen while learning about basic cooking techniques and making smart food choices. These classes will teach kitchen safety, food preparation and proper food handling practices. Mini Masterminds knows that our Minis benefit by learning teamwork and early maths and science concepts when participating in cooking activities.

Regular Excursions: Our Minis can extend their learning outside of the centre by taking part in excursions. Some examples include the Easter Show and visiting local parks for a picnic day.

In-House Incursions: Special visitors to the centre can share a wealth of knowledge with our Minis, as they can learn, discover and explore new and exciting things. Some incursions include native wildlife and reptile visits, petting zoos, dentist and optometrist visits and cultural exploration with visits from Indigenous artists.

Meet Sana – Centre Director at Mini Masterminds Merrylands

With 18 years of experience in education and a passion for early childhood development, Sana is committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. She values building strong partnerships with families and leads a diverse, multicultural team that embraces and celebrates the rich cultural backgrounds of the community.

Our multilingual team speaks English, Mandarin, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Spanish, and Dari - ensuring every family feels welcome and understood.

At Mini Masterminds Merrylands, children benefit from an inclusive and supportive setting where their unique strengths are recognised and nurtured. Through engaging, play-based learning experiences, Sana and her team prepare children for a confident and successful future.

In addition to the national curriculum, Mini Masterminds Rockdale is proud to have developed a bespoke curriculum in consultation with well-regarded Early Childhood Teacher, Jacob Camilleri. The unique Prep School Program which was developed in consultation with him exposes children to the NSW Foundation Font and focuses not just on the Early Years Framework but also the Early Stage 1 curriculum as well. By merging the Pre-School and Kindergarten lessons, the children will have a head start when it comes to their formal schooling.

The focus of the curriculum is on play-based learning, which ensures each child develops, understands and takes responsibility at their own pace, capability and individuality. The individualised educational curriculum is based on the children’s current learning and interests and is designed to further each child’s growth and development.

The centre’s programs allow for the children to move freely around the activities, making their own unique choices, while ensuring that all key learning areas are promoted and explored. The overall aim of the curriculum is to develop a child’s independence, while fostering confidence in communication and learning.

Our Educators at Mini Masterminds Merrylands aim to help guide our Minis towards healthy eating habits that will help them maintain a healthy weight and good health in the long term.

The menus are designed by nutritionist and mother, Gabriella Ratner, to include nutrient-dense meals created with the freshest ingredients, specifically selected for growing bodies. These menus allow for the inclusion of different cultural backgrounds and special dietary requirements of our Minis at the centre.

The in-house chef prepares the meals throughout the day, with a four-week rotating menu. Our Minis are given hands-on experience with growing their own vegetables in the centre’s garden, to teach them about where their food comes from and to encourage them to try new things. The centre also offers a private feeding room for breastfeeding mothers as needed.