Phase 2
Introduction to sounds and early blending. Children begin to recognise letter-sound relationships and read simple words.
Curriculum
Phonics Curriculum
A clear, carefully structured route into early reading, designed to build confidence from the very beginning.
Why Phonics Matters
Strong foundations for reading
Phonics sits at the beginning of a child’s reading journey, helping them understand how sounds and letters work together.
At QFE, phonics is taught in a calm, systematic way so that children can develop security, clarity, and confidence as they begin to read.
The goal is not simply to move through sounds quickly, but to help children understand them well enough to use them with confidence.
- secure sound recognition
- blending and segmenting
- early reading fluency
- confidence in decoding
- clear progression through carefully sequenced steps
Phonics Phases Explained
Phonics Phases Explained
Our phonics curriculum follows a structured progression through the key developmental phases.
- Phase 2
- Phase 3
- Phase 4
- Phase 5
Phase 5 is taught in two parts, creating a total of 12 weeks of learning.
Each phase builds directly on the last, ensuring that children develop secure understanding before moving forward.
Phase 3
Expanding sound knowledge. Children learn additional sounds and begin reading longer words and simple sentences.
Phase 4
Consolidation and fluency. Children strengthen blending and segmenting skills and improve reading fluency.
Phase 5
Advanced phonics and spelling patterns. Children learn alternative spellings and pronunciations, building flexibility and confidence in reading and writing.
How We Teach
How phonics is taught at QFE
Every phonics lesson is intentionally designed to feel focused, manageable, and secure.
- short, focused sessions designed around attention and developmental readiness
- clear teacher modelling before guided practice
- carefully repeated routines that build familiarity and confidence
- opportunities for children to apply sounds and patterns in meaningful ways
- structured review so learning is reinforced, not rushed
Phonics sessions are 25 minutes long. This shorter format is intentional and reflects the attention, stamina, and developmental needs of early learners.
Structured Workbooks
Structured Workbooks
Each phonics phase is supported by a carefully designed workbook.
- reinforce learning from lessons
- provide structured practice
- support independent application
- ensure consistency between sessions
They are used alongside teaching to strengthen understanding and retention.
Learning Options
Learning Options
QFE phonics can be accessed in different ways depending on your child’s needs.
Live Phonics Sessions
- 25-minute structured lessons
- small, focused groups
- guided teaching
- step-by-step progression
Phonics Workbooks (Independent Learning)
- structured for each phase
- clear parent guidance
- independent practice tasks
- flexible learning at home
Ideal for children who
- are not ready for online sessions
- prefer independent learning
- need additional practice
Guidance for Parents
Guidance for Parents
Not every child will begin with live lessons — and that is completely okay.
Some children benefit from:
- starting with structured workbooks
- building confidence independently
- then moving into live sessions
Others may use both together.
This flexibility allows learning to be adapted to the child — not the other way around.
Progression
How learning develops over time
Phonics progression is carefully sequenced so that children move forward with real understanding.
- recognising sounds
- blending sounds into words
- segmenting words for spelling
- reading with increasing fluency
- applying phonics with greater independence
As children become more secure, phonics begins to support wider reading confidence, early spelling, and stronger independence in learning.
Who It Supports
Who the phonics curriculum is designed for
Phonics at QFE is suited to a range of learners who need structure, security, and clear teaching.
- children who are just beginning early reading
- learners who need firmer foundations before moving forward
- children who benefit from structured repetition and calm, clear teaching
- families who want a purposeful approach without overwhelm
Explore the Curriculum
Continue exploring QFE
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Phonics Curriculum
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