Returning to Phonics Reminded Me Why Early Reading Matters So Much
Last week I stepped back into a Reception classroom after a little time away from early-years teaching, and it was like being handed a reminder of why phonics is such a powerful, beautiful part of a child’s educational journey. Watching four- and five-year-olds crack the code of written language never loses its magic. I saw children confidently recognising graphemes I knew they had only recently been introduced to, segmenting new words with real pride, and blending sounds together to read in a way that was nothing short of astonishing.
What struck me again, clearly and loudly, is that this progress isn’t accidental. It comes from routine, consistency, and from teachers following a structured, research-backed phonics programme with real integrity. When a school commits to a systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) approach, and teachers deliver it faithfully, children flourish. You can see it in their developing phonological awareness, their growing independence, and the little spark they get when they realise, “I can read that!”
How Parents Can Support Without Disrupting the Routine
Parents often ask me how they can help at home, and the good news is: you absolutely can, but the way you support matters.
The single most important thing you can do is find out which phonics scheme your child’s school uses. Every validated SSP programme has its own order of introducing sounds, specific grapheme–phoneme correspondences, and precise pronunciation guidance. If you inadvertently teach a sound too early or model it differently, it can make reading more confusing for your child rather than easier.
So:
Ask the teacher or the school which scheme they follow.
Request any parent guidance that the school already provides. Most programmes have pronunciation videos or booklets.
Keep communication open. A quick chat at pick-up time or an email to the class teacher can help you know exactly how to complement what’s happening in the classroom.
Stick to the sounds they’ve learned so far. Supporting consolidation is far more helpful than pushing ahead.
Celebrate effort as much as accuracy. Confidence is a major factor in early reading success.
A well-aligned home–school partnership doesn’t disrupt the routine; it strengthens it.
Phonics Tuition: In Person or Online
For parents looking for additional support, I also offer one-to-one phonics tuition, both in person and online. The online sessions use interactive tools that mirror what children experience in the classroom, which makes learning feel purposeful and fun.
If you feel your child would benefit from a targeted boost, or if they’ve fallen behind and need a structured, reassuring approach, please get in touch. I’m always happy to talk through what might help.
What I’m Reading
Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari – a jaw-dropping exploration of humanity’s past and the dizzying possibilities of our future. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, look at the world around you, and wonder what sort of future the young humans we teach will eventually inherit.