As educators, we know that teaching a child to read is one of the most powerful things we can do. It’s a gift that changes everything, not just for their academic journey, but for their overall confidence and their future too. This said, reading doesn’t just happen. It’s built on a foundation, and for most children, that foundation starts with phonics.

What Do We Mean by “Phonics First”?

Phonics is the systematic teaching of how letters (graphemes) represent sounds (phonemes). It’s helping pupils understand that the letter m makes the /m/ sound, or that th makes /th/. It's how they learn to decode unfamiliar words and is one of the most essential skills for early readers.

When we talk about a ‘Phonics First’ approach, we’re not saying phonics is the only thing that matters, but that it should come first in the sequence of reading instruction. Without it, the rest can’t fall into place.

Why Phonics Deserves Top Priority

1. The Research Is Clear

Systematic, explicit phonics instruction is one of the most evidence-based practices in literacy. Reports from bodies like the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and decades of cognitive science back it up. It has been a proven strategy for teaching children to read.

1. It Empowers Pupils to Decode Independently

When children understand how sounds and letters work together, they don’t have to guess based on context or pictures. They can use their decoding skills to read ANY word they encounter. Pupils who are taught through whole-word reading approaches may show progression in their reading abilities, however they are then limited in their reading skills- they can access texts which include familiar words, but find difficulties arise when unfamiliar words appear. Teaching through phonics can support children to develop their independence and confidence. It sets them up for long-term reading success.

1. It Supports All Learners- Especially Those Who Struggle

For pupils with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, phonics isn’t optional: it’s essential. A structured, phonics-based programme offers clarity, consistency and a predictable path forward. It levels the playing field. Some children may need more repeated practice or smaller steps to support them on their reading journey but research shows that the skills of reading should be taught through the same approach- phonics!

What a “Phonics First” Classroom Looks Like

Using an SSP with fidelity to the scheme isn’t just mantras and routines. It’s:

• Systematic – Skills are taught in a carefully sequenced order, starting from initial alphabet code and moving to an extended code and more complex patterns.
• Explicit – We don’t leave it to chance. Sounds, rules and blending strategies are clearly modelled and practised.
• Cumulative – Each lesson builds on previous learning, constantly reinforcing what’s already been taught.

Many of us have seen the impact of this firsthand: pupils who were once hesitant to read start decoding unfamiliar words with curiosity and confidence.

Balancing Phonics with the Bigger Picture

Of course, phonics is just one piece of the literacy puzzle. A well-rounded reading curriculum also includes:

• Phonemic awareness
• Vocabulary development
• Reading fluency
• Comprehension strategies

But here’s the catch: without strong decoding skills, pupils can’t access any of it. Phonics is the entry point- the key to unlocking meaning and fluency.

Practical Ways Educators Can Support Phonics Learning

Whether you’re in the classroom daily or supporting from a leadership role, here’s how you can keep phonics at the forefront:

• Prioritise instructional time for phonics in the early years and key stage 1 (and in interventions for older pupils who need it).
• Use assessment data to group pupils and target additional support.
• Communicate with families about what’s being taught, and how they can reinforce it at home.
• Ensure consistency across classrooms- alignment in language, routines, expectations and sequence makes a big difference.

A Final Word

Teaching phonics isn’t about ticking boxes or rushing through the programme, it’s about giving pupils the tools they need to become skilled, confident readers. When we put phonics first, we’re not just teaching sounds and letters. We’re building lifelong learners, one sound at a time.

Let’s keep laying that foundation because once it’s solid, there’s no limit to where our pupils can go.