This text supports trainee teachers working towards primary QTS through the exploration of a range of aspects of phonics teaching.  It gives a balance of research and practice and its focused approach allows trainees to develop an in-depth understanding of what works in phonics teaching, and why.

It begins with the subject knowledge that underpins effective teaching - key aspects of the alphabetic code from discriminating sounds and phonemes to teaching long vowel phonemes and their different spellings and pronunciations. It goes on to explore pedagogy from the early years to Key Stage 2 giving guidance on, among others, systematic progression, intervention and multi-sensory and interactive methods.  The title includes a review of different popular phonics programmes, set against the DfE (2011) criteria for high-quality phonics teaching.

This third edition comes with:
- a brand new section on context, challenges and barriers to learning to read with phonics, including chapters on EAL and SEND. 
- more information on phonics in the early years.