Big School, Big Minds (BSBM) is a school readiness program, specifically designed for children from culturally and linguistically diverse and refugee backgrounds. Funded by the NSW Department of Education’s Student Wellbeing Innovation Fund, the program aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework and aims to enhance children’s social-emotional development, early literacy and numeracy, speech and language skills, fine and gross motor skills, and cognitive abilities.

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Targeting both children and their families, the BSBM program equips children aged 4-6 with essential skills for a successful transition to kindergarten. Through engaging activities, the program helps improve confidence, concentration, communication, and the ability to follow instructions, while fostering healthy relationships and emotional regulation.

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The program also provides tailored sessions for parents and caregivers, offering strategies to support their child’s development, manage social-emotional needs, and strengthen the parent-child bond. By building parenting capacities and resilience, the program empowers families to navigate this critical stage with confidence.

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Short-term goals include increased literacy and numeracy skills, improved cognitive ability, and the demonstration of healthy social interactions. Medium-term goals focus on ensuring a smooth transition to formal schooling, with children displaying emotional regulation, resilience, and competence in both learning and social environments.

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Ultimately, the BSBM program prepares both children and families for a positive and confident transition to primary school.​​