Phase 2
Introduction to sounds and early blending. Children begin to recognise letter-sound relationships and read simple words.
Curriculum
The phonics curriculum available at QFE today.
A clear Phase 2-5 route into early reading, delivered through live teacher-led programmes and supported by structured home practice.
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 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
Current QFE programmes cover Phase 2, Phase 3, Phase 4 and Phase 5, with Phase 5 organised into two parts.
Each phase builds on earlier phonics knowledge. Current dates, lesson counts and programme details are shown on the individual programme pages.
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.
Current learning options
Choose direct teaching, home practice or both.
QFE's live programmes and digital workbooks support phonics in different, complementary ways.
Live Phonics Sessions
- 25-minute structured lessons
- small, focused groups
- guided teaching
- step-by-step progression
Phonics workbooks for home practice
- structured for each phase
- clear parent guidance
- independent practice tasks
- flexible learning at home
Useful for families who
- want purposeful phonics practice at home
- need to revisit or reinforce programme learning
- benefit from clear independent or parent-supported activities
Guidance for Parents
Choose the route that answers your current question.
Start with the format that fits your child now, or use the assessment when you need a clearer phase recommendation.
Current options include:
- live teacher-led programmes for direct modelling, interaction and feedback
- structured workbooks for home practice and reinforcement
- a one-to-one assessment when the correct phonics phase is unclear
Families may use live teaching and workbook practice together, but the two formats serve different purposes.
A workbook supports practice; it does not provide the same live teacher guidance as an online lesson.
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 clear teaching
- families who want a purposeful approach without overwhelm
Explore the Curriculum
Continue exploring QFE
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