"Research shows overwhelmingly that systematic phonics is the most effective way of teaching reading to children of all abilities, enabling almost all children to become confident and independent readers.

Can a child learn to read without phonics?

A very small number of fortunate children are able to make the connections on their own, without explicit teaching. When children begin school, we cannot predict with sufficient accuracy which children will struggle to learn to read without explicit, systematic phonics instruction and which will not.

Is phonics the only way to teach reading?

Synthetic phonics may not be the only way of teaching reading, but it is likely to make up a significant part of your reading programme at Foundation and Key Stage 1. Phonics training will help your students develop the key knowledge and strategies they need to become independent readers.