GRIFFITH LITTLE READERS
Renee Coffey MP, the Member for Griffith is a qualified secondary school teacher, a mum to two boys and a former P&C president. Renee is passionate about reading, and about building strong literacy and early reading skills in our community. Funded entirely by Renee, the new Griffith Little Readers program provides up to $1,000 of decodable readers to eligible primary schools in the electorate.
We know early literacy skills help enhance cognitive abilities like problem-solving and memory, improve social and emotional well-being through communication and empathy, build the foundational skills for academic success, and foster a lifelong love of learning that contributes to young people forging productive, fulfilling lives.
What is a decodable reader?
A decodable reader is a specially designed book, and teaching tool, that forms part of a young person’s ‘learn-to-read’ toolkit. They align with a synthetic phonics or code-based approach to reading, develop phonological decoding skills, develop letter-sound knowledge and decoding skills that they can apply independently, and encourage young people to sound out words using decoding strategies rather than guessing from pictures or context, helping build strong reading habits from the start.
As young people learn more letter-sound patterns, they can read more complex decodable books. These books are a great way for early readers to practise their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the success of reading on their own.
Why decodable readers?
Using decodable readers is one of the most effective ways to help young people learn to read with confidence. These books are carefully written to match the specific letter-sound patterns students are learning in the classroom, allowing them to practise new skills in a way that feels achievable. Instead of relying on guessing or memorising whole words, young people learn to break down words into sounds and blend them together – an essential skill supported by the science of reading. This evidence-based approach helps build strong foundations in phonics, supports independent reading, and gives young learners the satisfaction of reading real books on their own. Decodable readers don’t just teach young people how to read – they open up a world of possibility, helping them access knowledge, explore their imagination, and build a lifelong love of reading.
HOW IT WORKS
Is my school eligible?
To apply for funding for decodable readers, schools must be:
In the Griffith electorate
Service primary aged students in Prep to Year 3
State, Catholic, independent and other Queensland schools are all eligible
What can be purchased?
Eligible books must be:
Decodable readers appropriate for students in Prep to Year 3
Available to purchase online from one Australian website
No more than three (3) packs / online items (each pack may contain multiple readers)
Totalling no more than $1,000 including postage charges within Australia.
How to apply?
Click the ”Apply now” button at the bottom of the page or alternatively, send a copy of your completed application form to Enquiries.Griffith@aph.gov.au before Friday 12 December 2025.
Your application will be held at the Griffith electorate office and valid for the full term of the 48th Parliament. Applications will be granted on a rolling basis from October 2025.
Should your school’s application be successful, we will be in touch! If you wish to make any adjustments to the products you would like at that point in time, you can let us know.
Readers will then be purchased and dispatched to the Griffith electorate office and we will deliver these to your school.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can the school pay the difference if items total more than $1,000?
No. The total cost for up to three packs (including postage within Australia) is to be no more than $1,000.
Can our three items include book packs?
Absolutely! For example, some sites have six books, six copies of each title, for $396.00. Under this program, your school could get two of these (120 readers) fully funded.
Can we purchase the items and have you reimburse us?
No. Once your application is approved, we will be in touch. We will arrange the purchase, shipping and delivery of these items to your school.
Can our items be from overseas websites?
All items must be from one Australian website.
Can our early learning centre apply?
At this stage the program is available to schools who service children in Prep to Year 3.
What if the books are more traditional story books or early readers (not decodable)?
This program is for decodable readers only because we know they set young people up for the best reading experience possible.
Ready to get started?
Apply now to bring decodable readers to your school or classroom and help open a world of possibility for young learners.