Phonics 

Essential Letters and Sounds 

Phonics is one part of how we teach children to read at St Mary's. 

We follow 'Essential Letters and Sounds' which is a Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme that is validated by the Department for Education (DfE).

This programme follows six phases of learning which runs from Nursery into Year 2. 

Supporting Reading at Home

Below, are videos on how to pronounce all of the sounds that are taught, from phase 2 - 5. A sound mat with all of the phases is also available to download. To find out more information on what ELS is and how you can support your child at home, click the following link: https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/essential-letters-and-sounds/