If you read my previous blog about the future of L&S, you'll know my thoughts about schools trying to follow the 2007 L&S approach. I've formed this opinion over the past couple of years as I've observed phonics teaching in a wide range of settings. It has simply had its time and needs to step aside. There are some excellent schools out there doing a great job with it but there are also a lot that aren't. Not through any fault of their own; instead it often comes back to the fact that 2007 L&S was originally written as guidance and simply isn't comprehensive enough.
I state the need to step aside with conviction and the secure knowledge that schools are blessed with an array of other options. However, navigating those options is never easy, especially if you are a school who has only ever known and implemented L&S. To support schools make decisions about choosing an effective SSP (systematic synthetic phonics) programme, the DfE have a process that enables programme authors to put their work forward for validation. In the new round, SSP programme developers will be putting their programmes in for validation in a cycle that runs up to March 22. However, it's important to know that there are currently 8 programmes already on that list and they are as follows (I've put in hyperlinks that take you to their websites):
I made it clear in my previous post that 2007 L&S would be leaving the stage to allow space for a more comprehensive collection of approaches. What I didn't make clear is that there are likely to be different L&S based SSP programmes available for schools to select from. For example, you might be aware that Little Sutton and Wandle English Hubs are building a L&S SSP programme and have confirmed that it will be put in for validation as Little Wandle Letters and Sounds. In theory, from 2022, schools could have a whole host of validated Letters and Sounds based programmes to select from. We will know the number of options when the validation period ends. If you want to know more detail about validation then look here. .
What next?
1. For schools currently using L&S and getting excellent outcomes, then your options are pretty straight forward: Keep going with what you do as it is highly effective in getting all children to be fluent readers or look to change to a validated SSP programme to do even better. For example, they might feel that there are programmes out there that offer better quality resources that will develop their children further. This is a decision for the headteacher and not one that will be imposed on a school.
2. For L&S schools struggling to reach excellent standards in early reading & writing, then you also have options: Engage in work with your local English Hub, begin to learn more about other SSP programmes, speak with schools implementing other SSP programmes or go directly to the various SSP programme providers (using the links above.) The validated ones are all comprehensive packages and they are happy to inform schools more about their programmes. I know the Little Wandle L&S team have already started to promote their work and have a website to visit for further information: Link You might have also seen their material on Twitter where they also respond to any questions raised.
3. For L&S schools already engaging in work with the English Hubs, then you can be rest assured that you will not be expected to move from L&S during your time with the English Hub programme. This was communicated yesterday by the DfE and will give schools the reassurance that they can focus on moving forward with their partnership with their chosen English Hub.
Training
I am lucky enough to work with schools that fall into the categories above as I have three roles: English Hub Lead, Early Reading lead for my trust and I have set days to work independently. During my time in these roles I have enhanced my knowledge of the different SSP programmes and continue to do so. What I've learned from this experience is that each one can look quite different. That sounds obvious, but what I mean is that the approach to teaching the code can look quite different even though it is the same code children need to become fluent readers and excellent spellers. The crucial thing for schools is to understand the SSP programme approach and consider if that suits the school (I think I might write another blog about this as there are many things to consider!) It's also important to know that English Hubs are well-placed to support schools with a move or potential move to a different SSP programme so schools should consider engaging in their work. Find you local English Hub here: Link
Each of the programmes I have engaged with have all had excellent training packages. Again, these all look different but give schools the comprehensive understanding to deliver the package successfully. For example, the Phonics International training comes directly from Debbie Hepplewhite MBE and via her website. She shares her wealth of knowledge and gives a thorough understanding of her programme and how schools can succeed with it. This will also be true of other programmes so schools should look to investigate this further by contacting the various SSP providers.
The 2007 L&S package used to have official training and this came during the period of the National Strategies. More recently, Wandle and Little Sutton have fulfilled this role and will continue to do so until 2023. They have a comprehensive training package that schools can access through the English Hubs programme. I am lucky enough to be a L&S trainer and have been really impressed with the recent online package. It provides a wealth of knowledge and understanding and the option of a follow up session with a trainer.
Summary
In summary, this really could be an excellent period for schools. Yes there could be change in the months/years ahead, but it's clear that schools are blessed with an array of possibilities: Varied possibilities in the form of high quality SSP programmes as well as navigating the journey to improving outcomes for children. However, one area, which doesn't vary, is the SSP programme maker's desire to improve standards for our children. Speak to any of them and you'll see their passion for what they do and the immense effort, skill, knowledge and expertise they have put into their programmes.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.
I thought I'd finish with a quote I've just added to a large strategy document I'm working on:
“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose”.
Lyndon B. Johnson