Phonics is a method of teaching children to read by linking sounds (phonemes) and the symbols that represent them (graphemes, or letter groups).

Phonics is the basis for reading and writing skills. It develops the skills needed to hear sounds in words and match them to the corresponding visual representation. It gives children the skills needed to use their knowledge of the alphabet to support their reading and their writing as they move through school. Reading and writing are like a code: phonics is teaching the child to crack the code.

At GB we follow Letters and Sounds Guidance published by the DfE. It aims to build children's speaking and listening skills in their own right as well as to prepare children for learning to read and write by developing their phonic knowledge and skills.

There are six overlapping phases. Throughout Nursery and Reception, we aim to cover phases one to four.