Providing extra remedial support for phonics at school involves a combination of phonics assessments, targeted phonics programs, and the use of decodable texts.
This comprehensive approach helps educators identify specific areas where students may need additional support, implements effective teaching strategies through structured programs, and reinforces learning with reading materials that match the child’s phonics level.
Any extra support with phonics should be paired with a multi-pronged approach. Therefore, we recommend that classroom teachers, parents, and SENCos be onboard with the phonics approach.
For more information for phonics at home click here, for phonics in the classroom click here and for general reading difficulty information please click here.
Phonics Assessments
It's really important to know where the children are in their progress. Therefore, regular Phonics Assessments is a vital method used to evaluate a student's understanding of phonetic principles and their ability to apply these skills in reading and spelling. Regular assessments help identify areas where students may struggle, allowing for tailored interventions that address these specific needs.
How this helps
Assessments are essential for creating a targeted learning plan that addresses the unique needs of each student.
Phonics Programmes
Phonics curriculums are educational strategies creatively constructed to instill literacy and spelling by clear, systematic phonics instruction. These curriculums frequently encompass engaging multi-sensory tasks and logically sequenced lessons which progressively refine the students' knowledge of phonics. The Department of Education endorses a variety of these programs. For a comprehensive list, refer here. For students grappling with reading and spelling issues, a more structured syllabus, filled with smaller, more digestible steps and abundant practice can outshine common first attempts at teaching phonics. Always opt for a program that employs a multi-sensory concept.
How this helps
Phonics programs provide a consistent and structured approach to teaching phonics, which is especially beneficial for students who require extra support. By following a carefully designed curriculum, these programs ensure that students receive comprehensive instruction that covers all the essential phonics skills needed for reading success.
Recommended programme
Sounds-Write
Sounds-Write is a structured phonics programme suitable for children from Reception to Year 3. It focuses on synthetic phonics, teaching students to blend and segment sounds to help with reading and spelling. The program provides intensive support for children who are struggling with decoding and spelling.
Pros
The systematic, sequential instruction of phonics establishes a robust base in reading capabilities. Especially advantageous for kids requiring extra assistance with deciphering and spelling.
It provides thorough assessments at each level.
Cons
The program requires regular, consistent practice to be most effective, which may be challenging in busy school schedules.
While great for early years, its effectiveness reduces as children grow older and move on to more complex reading skills.
Recommended programme
Toe by Toe
Toe by Toe is a highly structured, step-by-step reading program designed for students aged 7 and above. It focuses on phonics, blending, and decoding skills and can be used with struggling readers or those with dyslexia. It is often used in one-on-one settings with parents, teachers, or tutors.
Pros
Breaks reading down into manageable, step-by-step activities that ensure mastery of each skill.
Well-suited for children with specific reading difficulties like dyslexia.
Can be delivered by non-specialists
Cons
The structured approach can feel repetitive, which might not engage all learners.
Impact on spelling is not as good as reading.
Designed for thoroughness, so it may take a longer time to see significant progress.
Requires one-on-one attention
Recommended programme
Jolly Phonics
An engaging, multi-sensory phonics program that uses actions, songs, and games to teach reading and writing skills. It’s particularly effective for younger students but can be adapted for older learners as well.
Pros
Uses actions, songs, and games, which can make learning phonics fun and engaging for young children.
Multi-sensory approach helps reinforce learning through sight, sound, and movement.
Easy to adapt for individual or group learning, making it flexible for different classroom environments.
Cons
Younger learners may love the playful approach, but it might not suit older students as they may find the activities too childish.
Requires consistent practice and repetition.
Teachers need to be well-trained in the multi-sensory methods to deliver the program effectively.
Recommended programme
Read Write Inc.
A comprehensive phonics program that integrates reading, writing, and spelling instruction. It’s designed to support learners at various levels, offering targeted strategies for those who need more intensive instruction.
Pros
Combines reading, writing, and spelling in one comprehensive program, giving students well-rounded literacy support.
Targets different levels of learners, making it effective for both struggling readers and more advanced students.
There is a "catch up" programme called Fresh Start designed for secondary learners
Provides clear structure and progression, helping students move through phonics stages smoothly.
Cons
Requires significant teacher training and consistent delivery to ensure results.
Can be time-consuming in busy school schedules, as it demands frequent practice and follow-up.
The structured nature may feel rigid for some learners who prefer more flexible learning approaches.
The assessments are based on reading, so children may be moved up from a level if they have achieved the reading of that level, but not the spelling.
Online Phonics Programmes
Online phonics programmes are widely used to support students with dyslexia and literacy difficulties, providing structured instruction in phonics that can be especially valuable for struggling readers. These programmes vary in scope and functionality, from targeting specific phonetic skills to offering comprehensive literacy support. Below, we’ll explore some recommended options, along with their key benefits, pros, and cons.
Choosing the Right Programme
Before selecting an online phonics programme, it’s important to consider the following:
Purpose: Do you need a programme that can be used independently or one that requires teacher support?
Scope: Are you looking for a programme that focuses exclusively on phonics or one that includes other areas like spelling and comprehension?
Assessment and Progress Monitoring: How important is it for you to track progress and access detailed assessment data?
Engagement and Age Appropriateness: Is the programme engaging for your learners’ age group? Consider options with varying levels of interactivity.
See below the options we recommend with some pros and cons:
Recommended programme
Lexia Core5 Reading
Lexia is a blended learning programme with sections on Word Study, Grammar, and Comprehension. It includes primary and secondary levels, with flexible assessments that adapt to the learner’s proficiency in each area. Teachers can monitor progress and access downloadable over-learning resources.
Pros
Research-backed and suitable for learners at varying literacy levels.
Secondary learners can progress in different skill areas as needed.
Identifies areas needing additional support quickly.
Cons
Requires teacher involvement for optimal effectiveness.
Research supports general literacy improvements rather than dyslexia-specific outcomes.
Recommended programme
Lexplore
Lexplore uses AI-based eye-tracking assessments to measure reading fluency, providing data on fluency and reading behaviours for students from Year 1 to GCSE. It includes an app for at-home fluency practice.
Pros
Offers unique insights into reading fluency and eye movement efficiency.
Helps teachers understand reading behaviours.
Cons
Focuses only on fluency; lacks components for comprehension and decoding.
Doesn’t include spelling support, so additional teaching is needed.
Recommended programme
Literacy Gold (formerly Dyslexia Gold)
Literacy Gold offers structured support in spelling, phonics, comprehension, and visual skills, including Engaging Eyes, which enhances tracking and focusing abilities. It’s designed for dyslexic learners, with uncluttered visuals suitable for older students.
Pros
Addresses visual processing difficulties, beneficial for children with visual tracking challenges.
Involves physical writing tasks using paper or whiteboards.
Includes standardised scores for reading and spelling.
Cons
Visual skills focus may not be relevant for all dyslexic learners.
Assessment data doesn’t clearly indicate specific phonics skills mastered.
Dated standardised tests (Burt and Blackwell) are used.
Recommended programme
Nessy Reading and Spelling
Nessy is a fully game-based programme for ages 6–11, using engaging activities to target phonics, reading, and spelling skills. Developed by dyslexia experts, it includes an entry assessment that generates five personalised reading and spelling targets.
Pros
Highly engaging and supportive of dyslexic learners.
Game-based approach makes learning fun and interactive.
Includes many downloadable activities for additional practice.
Cons
Games may feel too juvenile for upper primary students.
Sensory-heavy interface may challenge students with sensory sensitivities.
Phonics and Spelling Shed
Recommended programme
Phonics and Spelling Shed
This programme combines curriculum-based phonics and spelling instruction with assessments, games, and lesson plans. It’s designed for primary students but can also be used for secondary catch-up.
Pros
Cost-effective with extensive resources and lesson plans.
Well-integrated with school curriculums.
Fun, engaging activities for consistent practice.
Cons
Not specifically designed for SEN, so may require customisation for dyslexic learners.
Some users find the website challenging to navigate.
Recommended programme
Stepsweb
Stepsweb is a structured literacy programme from New Zealand, created by a dyslexia specialist. It supports phonics, orthographic processing, and phonological awareness with a structured approach suitable for older learners. It also includes a spelling age test and printable resources.
Pros
Content adapts to older learners and is based on the English National Curriculum.
Minimal teacher involvement required, making it a practical choice for busy educators.
Cons
Simple graphics may lack engagement compared to other programmes.
Less suitable for younger learners due to its straightforward layout.
Recommended programme
Wordshark
Wordshark offers a range of literacy games, designed specifically for SEND and EAL students. It includes word lists for various skill levels, making it adaptable to the English National Curriculum. “Supershark” offers a placement test, and learners can also make custom word lists.
Pros
Extensive word lists, including those for secondary school vocabulary.
Game-based structure, which is both fun and effective for over-learning.
Incorporates orthographic processing, supporting letter and word shape
Cons
Graphics may seem simplistic to some users.
The retro-style design may not appeal to all learners.
Recommended programme
IDL
IDL offers literacy and numeracy screeners alongside structured programmes in literacy, maths, and times tables.
Pros
Suitable for sensory-sensitive learners and older students who prefer straightforward, non-game-based programmes.
Focus on spelling with in-built repetition and overlearning.
Cons
Limited feedback on specific skills mastered, making it harder for teachers to track progress on specific phonics skills.
Uses dated Shonell standardised tests.
Lacks interactive games, which some students might find unengaging.
Decodable Texts
Decodable texts are reading materials specifically designed to align with a child's current phonics knowledge. These texts include only the phonetic patterns and words that the child has already learned, making them an essential tool for building reading fluency and confidence.
How this helps
Decodable texts provide a structured and supportive reading experience, allowing students to practice their phonics skills in a meaningful context. By focusing on words they can decode, students build confidence and fluency. Repeated reading of decodable texts reinforces learning and helps students achieve high levels of accuracy and comprehension.
Tips for Decodable Texts
Selecting Decodable Texts:
Choose decodable texts that match the child’s current phonics level. Ensure the text only includes words and phonetic patterns that the child has already learned.
Re-Reading for Fluency
Encourage the child to read the same decodable text multiple times over several days. Each reading helps build automaticity with phonics patternsphonetic patterns and improves their reading speed and accuracy.
Phonics for Older Learners (11+)
Phonics instruction can also be adapted for older learners who may still need support with foundational reading skills.
While the principles remain the same, the approach is tailored to be age-appropriate and relevant to older students. It's also worth noting that most children should be pretty good at phonics by the age of 9. So if they're still struggling, it might be worth getting some extra help. See some tips below.
A Few Tips for Older Learners
Use More Complex Texts:
Incorporate phonics practice into more challenging, age-appropriate texts that align with the student's interests. This helps keep them engaged while reinforcing phonetic principles.
Morphology Focus:
Older learners can benefit from a greater focus on morphology, understanding how words are formed and how this knowledge can help with spelling and reading complex texts. Oftentimes Morphlogy can be the unlock when other things haven't worked. Ask the learner to look for suffixes/prefixes, or find words that have the same roots and compare the meaning.
Consistency is Key:
Regular, consistent practice is important for older learners, just as it is for younger students. Short, frequent sessions can be more effective than infrequent, longer ones.