Download resource

Please enter your details to download this resource
Login
 

Enter your details to access this video

Or if you already have an account login to watch the video (if you don't you can register here).
Login
Child learning phonics
Author: Karen Wilson, SEND Specialist
Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link
Approximate reading time: 1 minute

For many learners, phonics can provide a clear, structured pathway into reading and spelling. For learners with SEND, phonics can offer small, sequential steps that reduce cognitive load. Improving phonics skills can also build independence for learners, as it enables them to decode unfamiliar words without relying solely on context or translation. This helps learners to access the wider curriculum and develop their confidence.

Tip or idea: Repetition and overlearning is vital for learners with memory, processing, or attention difficulties. Precision Teaching is a highly structured, evidence-based approach which can help to build fluency in phonics through short, focussed, and positive sessions. Adapt your sessions to the needs and interests of your learners.

Learning Village resource: Clear record-keeping helps to ensure teaching is responsive and targeted. Accurate tracking can also help identify gaps, monitor progress, and celebrate successes. Our Phonics Tricky Words Assessment  provides a quick and easy way to track your learner’s progress.

Email share link LinkedIn share link Twitter share link Facebook share link

More articles by this author

Books in nature during summer

SEND support: Summer learning loss

Created: Thu 19th Jun 2025

During the school summer holidays pupils may lack opportunities to practise and revisit skills they have been learning in class. Research indicates that students can lose between one to three months of learning during their extended break! Considering ways to keep learners engaged throughout the summer is an important step in reducing lost learning. This is especially important for students with additional needs who may face challenges with learning retention, retrieval, and recall.

SEND learners writing

SEND support: Engaging writing lessons

Created: Fri 13th Dec 2024

For some learners, including those with SEND, the thought of a writing lesson can be daunting and unappealing. However, by finding creative ways to engage and 'hook' your learners, they will be more likely to feel motivated and engaged.

Tip or Idea: Start your lessons in an unusual or exciting way! Set up a scene or have props that give clues to a character or event, play an engaging video or audio clip or perhaps transform your classroom into a courtroom for a debate...

Teacher pre-teaching SEND learner

SEND support: Pre-teaching

Created: Wed 31st Jul 2024

Pre-teaching helps learners to enter a lesson feeling confident, independent and ready to shine! It can be used to promote curiosity before a lesson, expose learners to new, unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts and/or allow them to tackle tasks at their own pace before working in a larger group setting.

Back to Blog