Phonics is how most children in the UK learn to read, and it works. But not every child picks it up at the same pace. Parents in Stevenage often come to us when their child is falling behind in Reception or Year 1 phonics, or when the Year 1 phonics screening check is approaching and they're worried. Our phonics tutors work with young children using systematic, structured methods that build confidence alongside skill.
The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
Every child in England sits a phonics screening check in Year 1. For parents in Stevenage, this can feel high-pressure, but it's really just a measure of whether a child can decode words using phonics. Our tutors prepare children for this check by practising with real words and pseudo-words (made-up words that test pure decoding), so children feel confident and familiar with the format.
Supporting Learning at Home
Phonics practice at home makes a big difference, but many parents in Stevenage aren't sure how to help effectively. Our tutors provide simple, practical suggestions for daily practice — reading together, playing sound games, using phonics apps — that reinforce what's being covered in sessions without turning home into a classroom.
Blending and Segmenting
Blending (pushing sounds together to read a word) and segmenting (breaking a word into its individual sounds to spell it) are the two core phonics skills. Children in Stevenage who struggle with these need lots of practice with immediate feedback — exactly what a one-to-one session provides. Our tutors use magnetic letters, sound cards, and phonics games to make this practice engaging.
Our phonics tutors in Stevenage are experienced with early years education and understand how to work with young children — keeping sessions short, positive, and focused. Most families start with two 30-minute sessions per week. Contact us to discuss your child's needs.