Children decorating a nature platter during play-based learning at Sunshine Mini School childcare

That’s exactly what we set out to build here at Sunshine Mini School. We’re a family-owned, boutique early learning centre in Tingalpa, in Brisbane’s east, offering genuine, home-style care from educators with real qualifications and hands-on experience, not a franchise-run operation or run by businessmen who rarely visit the centre. We are the real deal, genuinely invested in the care and education of our children and supporting our families. If you’re searching for the best childcare in Brisbane, we’d simply invite you to come and see Sunshine Mini School for yourself. You’ll find us at 1489 Wynnum Road, Tingalpa, close to Wynnum West, Murarrie, Carindale and Hemmant.

What makes Sunshine Mini School different is that we’re genuinely hands-on and family-owned – not “family owned” as a marketing line while a corporate group runs things behind the scenes or a management group is operating on behalf of the owners. Our team are qualified, experienced educators who are present in the centre, know your child’s name, and are personally invested in the quality of care and education we provide, the Sunshine way, every single day.

Each day, your child will need a bag containing:

  • A water bottle
  • A hat
  • Plenty of spare clothes, appropriate to the day’s weather (rain, hail, wind or sunshine!)
  • If applicable, nappies or spare underwear for the day (we provide wipes)

Yes, Sunshine Mini School provides Morning Tea, Lunch and Afternoon Tea for every child, every day. Our cook prepares a healthy, nutritious and delicious selection of meals, made fresh on-site. We cater for dietary needs and preferences. For any specific dietary requests or allergies, please speak with our Director who will help coordinate this for you.

Our programs are built around real, engaging early learning experiences across every age group, from our Snugglepots Nursery through to our Bears Kindergarten Program. We combine an approved educational curriculum with old-fashioned play-based learning, Forest School, our Loose Parts construction area, sustainability projects and our Dream Big initiative for our Bears – genuinely rich, well-rounded programs, all delivered the Sunshine way, by qualified early childhood educators.

Our educators are qualified, experienced, and genuinely love what they do. Sunshine Mini School is led by experienced, professional people who genuinely care and are hands-on. Every member of our team is chosen because they bring both the qualifications and the warmth we want surrounding our children every day.

A medication form will need to be completed for any medication your child requires. All medication must be handed directly to our Director or one of our educators.

Sunshine Mini School is open Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6:30pm, 52 weeks a year, excluding public holidays.

The best way to communicate with your child’s teachers is directly – at drop-off, at pick-up, or by calling them during the day. For general queries about your child’s experience at Sunshine Mini School, you’re welcome to reach us by phone or email any time.

You can enrol your child at Sunshine Mini School by completing our online enquiry form through this website, or by emailing us directly and we will then contact you to have a chat and organise a time that suits you to come in and meet us. We would love to show you around and for you to see the Sunshine Mini School difference in person.

Sunshine Mini School accepts babies from 6 weeks of age.

Children become eligible for Forest School once they move into our Pre-Prep room, the Bears, our Kindergarten group.

The CCS, or Child Care Subsidy, is an Australian Government initiative that helps families with the cost of childcare. You can find out more about the CCS and your eligibility on the Services Australia website. Once your child is successfully enrolled for the CCS, your eligible amount is automatically deducted from your Sunshine Mini School fees, so you’re only invoiced for the difference.

No, Sunshine Mini School does not charge an enrolment fee.

Our bond is $200 per family (CCS does not apply to the bond). Additional children within the same family don’t require a further bond. Your bond is refunded to your nominated account at the end of your enrolment, provided four weeks’ notice is given and your account is up to date.

If your child isn’t currently enrolled at Sunshine Mini School, we’re unable to offer casual bookings. If your child is already enrolled on a regular basis, we’ll always do our best to accommodate extra casual days, subject to availability.

Yes, please send a full change of clothes every day for your child as you never quite know what the day will bring. We ask that all clothing is clearly named. In summer, children should be dressed to SunSmart guidelines, shoulders covered, light breathable fabrics, and a hat. In Winter, please dress your child warmly as our children spend time outdoors every day, whatever the weather.

Sunshine Mini School features purpose-built, age-appropriate beautiful learning rooms for babies through to kindergarten age with the most fabulous playgrounds.

Our ratios follow the National Quality Framework requirements for each age group, ensuring every child from our youngest babies in our Snugglepots through to our Bears receives genuine care throughout the day. In Queensland, that means one educator for every four children from birth to 24 months, one for every five children aged 24 to 36 months, and one for every 11 children from 36 months to preschool age.

If your child becomes unwell while at Sunshine Mini School, our educators will care for them, keep them comfortable, and contact you promptly so you can arrange collection. For everyone’s wellbeing, we ask that children who are unwell, feverish, or contagious stay home until they’ve recovered, in line with public health guidelines and Staying Healthy in Childcare Guidelines.

We take new children starting at Sunshine Mini School very seriously. We offer orientation visits before your child’s official start date, and our educators will check in with you regularly during the settling-in period to make sure your little one and you feel comfortable and confident.