Supporting Phonics in Key Stage 2

Teaching phonics to older pupils in Key Stage 2 (KS2) can be challenging, particularly when balancing curriculum demands with addressing learning gaps. Many children require continued phonics support beyond Key Stage 1 (KS1) for various reasons, including: 

• Limited prior phonics instruction: Some pupils may have missed foundational phonics teaching. This can hinder their reading and writing progress as they lack essential skills like grapheme recognition, blending, and segmenting. 

• English as an Additional Language (EAL): Students may also have little to no English. Whilst progress in learning the language may be rapid, phonics can further accelerate this journey. 

• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): Pupils with SEND may progress more slowly or face delays in phonological awareness, requiring extended phonics instruction. 

• Knowledge gaps: Absences, school changes, or inconsistent teaching can leave gaps in grapheme-phoneme correspondence (GPC) knowledge and decoding skills. 

Strategies for Success 

Unfortunately, there are no quick fixes but there are certainly elements of good practice that will support phonics for all students across the school. 

Whole-School Phonics Approaches

Phonics strategies used in Early Years and KS1 should continue into KS2, embedded across the curriculum. Teachers and support staff must confidently model blending and segmenting strategies to help pupils read and spell unfamiliar words. Consistent displays, visual aids and resources like sound mats and grapheme charts provide valuable reinforcement and foster independence. 

Ongoing Professional Development (CPD) 

Phonics training shouldn’t be limited to EYFS and KS1 teachers. KS2 staff should also be proficient in the school’s phonics approach, enabling consistent application of techniques like using ‘phoneme fingers’ or sound buttons to assist struggling learners. 

Targeted Intervention

For some pupils, additional support is essential. Effective interventions should: 

• Use age-appropriate resources that engage older children. 

• Move at a pace suited to older learners, helping them catch up. 

• Be informed by assessment data to address specific gaps. 

• Be scheduled daily, well-planned and regularly monitored to ensure progress. 

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Parental Involvement

Parents are vital in supporting phonics at home. Schools can help by offering: 

• Workshops: To equip parents with practical strategies and confidence. 
• Resources: Home-reading materials, sound charts, and flashcards tailored to individual needs. 

Embedding Phonics Across the Curriculum 

Integrating phonics into every subject will support students in reading and writing across the curriculum. With consistent practice supported by both parents and educators, pupils are better positioned to achieve fluency and success. 

By adopting a whole-school approach and engaging parents, schools can provide the structured, consistent support KS2 pupils need to master phonics.