Our centre offers the NSW Government-approved "Start Strong" Preschool Program, providing 600 hours of quality preschool education annually for children aged 3–5 years. This program includes fee relief funding to make early childhood education more affordable for families.

Our Enhanced Learning Program for Preschool children focuses on:

• Numeracy & Literacy: Developing key skills for lifelong learning.
• Self-Regulation: Fostering emotional control and resilience.
• Social & Emotional Development: Supporting independence and building healthy relationships.
• Creativity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

With extended hours and a year-round program (excluding public holidays), our Preschool program is delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers committed to supporting your child’s individual development.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Government subsidy: Further reduces out-of-pocket Preschool fees in addition to your eligible Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
• Personalised Learning Plans: Tailored to your child’s unique needs.
• Rhythm and Resilience Program: Music and movement to improve emotional regulation.
• School Readiness: Preparing your child for a smooth transition to school.

We also engage with local schools and provide transition statements, ensuring your child feels confident and prepared for the next steps in their education journey. Stay connected with your child’s progress via our Xplor platform, which offers regular updates on their learning and development.

“Let the child be the scriptwriter, director and the actor in their own play” - Magda Gerber

Nursery Space: 6 weeks – 2 years

Learning starts from before birth, and our Educators have created a welcoming and nurturing nursery environment where each baby feels safe to explore and discover new things - through their senses, their communication and cues (body language, facial expression and sounds) and through experimentation. On any given day you can see the nursery children engaging in all types of play including sensory play, music time, story time and more. Every day provides a brand new, exciting adventure for our babies to support their development, learning and wellbeing.

Toddler Space: 2 - 3 years

Our teachers and educators encourage the children to learn through play to help enhance their sensory-motor development. This happens through carefully planned music, dance, games, role playing and reading experiences.

On any given day the Toddlers can be seen developing their numeracy by building a tower, sorting objects, pointing and identifying shapes and patterns and participating in counting songs and games.

Children in our toddler space are encouraged to participate in group play. Group play is important as it helps our toddlers develop important social skills such as, turn-taking, developing self-confidence and emotional self-regulation. Our skilled team helps children through talking, planning and role modelling.

Preschool Space: 3 – 6 years

Preschool is a unique time for learning with peers and developing skills for later learning including confidence and curiosity, important skills for starting school. Our play-based program has school readiness at its core, encouraging active engagement in learning and supporting a range of positive developmental outcomes including resilience, independence, critical thinking and creativity.

The oral language supports literacy learning and a child’s oral language ability is the best predictor for later success in learning to read and write. Hearing the sounds within a language is the first critical step for all literacy learning. Our team supports our Preschool children's literacy development by engaging in rich discussions, reading, storytelling, dramatic play and experimentation all of which introduce new vocabulary as part of everyday conversations.

Throughout the Preschool year, children use their language to share ideas, ask questions, express themselves, and connect with peers and adults in social settings.

Social-emotional skills, including the ability to self-regulate emotions, are supported through group learning experiences. Our team supports each child’s social and emotional development by labelling and talking about emotions and supporting appropriate responses as together, they engage in new and challenging situations. Our goal in the Preschool year is to prepare children and families for a smooth transition to primary school.

Our centre chef prepares and cooks nutritious meals daily, catering to the unique dietary requirements of every child. We believe that by encouraging active participation (such as growing their own fruit and vegetables, preparing, and finally cooking!) children learn to appreciate and understand the importance of healthy eating across a wide variety of food.

Our centre offers seasonal whole food-based menus – created to delight the fussiest eaters.

Hi my name is Farah and I am the Centre Manager at First Grammar Merrylands. I started working in early learning in 2015. I joined the team at First Grammar Merrylands in 2020. I hold a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Care (Birth - 5).

Working in early education has been a fulfilling and enriching experience for me. What I particularly love about working in early education is witnessing children's incredible growth and progress. This career allows me to foster a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore, ask questions, and express themselves. Building strong relationships with children and their families is also something I cherish, as it allows me to collaborate with parents and caregivers in supporting their children's holistic development. 

I have learned so much about children and their development during my early childhood education and care career. One of the most important lessons is that each child is unique and has their own individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. This understanding has guided my teaching style to be adaptable and responsive to the needs of each child. 

I have also learned that children learn best through hands-on experiences and play. As a result, my teaching style emphasises creating a stimulating and interactive learning environment that encourages exploration, discovery, and active participation. I also value the importance of building strong relationships with children. Positive relationships foster a sense of security and trust, enabling children to feel comfortable taking risks, expressing themselves, and engaging in meaningful learning experiences. 

I prioritise connecting with each child, actively listening to their thoughts and ideas, and valuing their contributions. Recognising and celebrating the diversity of children's backgrounds, experiences, and abilities is crucial in promoting a sense of belonging and fostering a positive self-identity. This understanding guides my teaching style to incorporate diverse perspectives, materials, and experiences, ensuring that every child feels valued and respected. 

Each member of our First Grammar Merrylands team holds relevant qualifications in early childhood education, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills necessary to create a nurturing and stimulating environment for children. They are committed to staying updated with the latest research and best practices in early childhood education to offer the most effective and enriching experiences for the children under their care. They come from diverse cultural backgrounds, bringing a rich tapestry of experiences, languages, and perspectives into their teaching practices. They genuinely care about the well-being, growth, and development of each child in their care. 

Supporting families is an essential aspect of our approach as early childhood educators. We understand that families play a crucial role in a child's development, and building a strong relationship with them is vital. Here are a few ways we show support and foster good relationships with families: 

1. Open and Transparent Communication: We provide regular updates on their child's progress, daily activities, and any concerns or achievements. We also encourage families to communicate with us, ensuring that we address any questions or concerns promptly. 

2. Welcoming and Inclusive Environment: We encourage their active involvement in their child's learning journey. We organise family events, workshops, and parent-teacher meetings that allow for meaningful interactions and collaboration. 

3. Respect for Diversity: We respect and celebrate our families' diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. We incorporate cultural diversity into our curriculum, activities, and celebrations, creating a sense of belonging for all families. 

4. Supportive Partnerships: We value families’ input and involve them in decision-making processes. We also provide resources, guidance, and support to help families navigate parenting challenges and access community services if needed. 5. Individualized Approaches: We take the time to understand and respect families’ individual needs and circumstances, adapting our approach to meet those needs effectively.