Literacy boost for Queensland kids

Families moving into residential property in the Gold Coast will want to make sure their kids' education gets off on the right foot, and thanks to a new program, you should find this is the case.

The Queensland state government has introduced the Best Start initiative, which is designed to improve literacy for youngsters throughout the state.

It's due to get underway in January next year and will include an awareness campaign rolled out all over the state, as well as the introduction of a new literacy toolkit for parents and caregivers.

Local libraries will also be given more funding to hold special events, such as storytelling sessions, rhyme time and baby bounce.

Queensland premier Campbell Newman said: "Currently almost one in four Queensland children does not know enough words on starting school and sadly many never catch up.

"Busy working mums and dads are also time poor, with only 48 per cent reading regularly to their three to eight year olds, but just 10 minutes a day can make all the difference."

The Best Start program will be rolled out over four years, so there's plenty of time for your kids to get involved and ensure they have these valuable skills for later in life.