Learning & Development: Put phonics in its place

As the sector waits, with some trepidation, for the new EYFS guidance to be released, it is worth reflecting on the role of phonics in teaching young children to read and their position within the revised early years curriculum.

Phonics has long polarised opinion and continue to attract controversy. Last year, some criticised Dame Clare Tickell for ‘downgrading’ phonics following her recommendation that ‘Linking sounds with letters’ be removed from the revised EYFS.

In reply, she said: ‘I have not recommended that phonics should be downgraded. Phonics is one of the most robust and recognised ways of helping children to learn to read and write. My report clearly highlights the importance of children starting school ready and able to learn, and I set out in the reading and writing goals the phonic development children should have reached by the age of five. The fact there is no longer a separate section labelled 'linking sounds and letters' does not mean I have deprioritised phonics - merging this section into 'reading' and 'writing' is one of the ways I have slimmed down and simplified the EYFS.’