AS well as changing nappies, bottle feeding and being a general super mum, education experts have ear-marked a new role for mothers.

A scheme being developed in Buckinghamshire and gaining momentum across the country is geared at encouraging mothers to get their children ready for school.

Under the Parents As First Teachers scheme, mothers are exactly that -- the first voice of reason encouraging study.

Parents hear about it from midwives, health visitors or friends, and those who opt in get monthly personal visits from a trained project worker and the chance to join in group meetings.

Results in the US, where the scheme originates, show that children in the programme develop much quicker with superior language and social skills.

The key to why it works lies in the close attention on each child.

The trained project worker will informally check-off how the pre-schooler is doing.

These are known as development milestones.

The trainer gives advice on how best to progress, as well as lending an understanding ear.