Understanding the UK Phonics System: A Guide for Parents (Ages 4-7)

Phonics is the cornerstone of early reading instruction in UK primary schools, designed to teach children the sounds that letters and groups of letters make. It's about breaking down words into their smallest sounds (phonemes) and blending them back together to read. You might hear terms like 'blending,' 'segmenting,' and 'digraphs' (two letters making one sound, like 'sh' or 'ch'). This systematic approach helps children decode unfamiliar words independently.

The government's emphasis on phonics, culminating in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, highlights its importance. As a parent, understanding how phonics works can hugely support your child. Ask their teacher about the specific phonics scheme used in school (e.g. Read Write Inc, Jolly Phonics), listen to them read their phonics books, and practise the sounds and blending at home. Consistency is key to building their early reading fluency and confidence