Phonics
PHONICS AT STMS
Our school has chosen Essential Letters and Sounds as our Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme, which has been validated by the Department for Education. See below for more information.

Downloadable grapheme cards
KS1 Phonics Workshop Info for Parents 2025
Reception Phonics Workshop Info for Parents 2025
Oxford Owl - pure sounds
Click here to hear how phonemes are articulated clearly.
What are Sound Buttons?
Using 'sound buttons' or 'dots and dashes' to help children sound out words.
Cued Articulation, Jane Passy - summary of all sounds and handsigns
These are the cued articulation actions we use alongside teaching each new sound in YR and KS1. These actions support the correct formation of each sound and also provides a kinesthetic approach for the children, to assist with memory recall.
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
Every Year 1 child in the country will be taking the Phonics Screening Check in the same week in June. The aim of the check is to ensure all children are able to read by the end of Year 2.
In 2025 the phonics screening check will take place in the week beginning 9th June.
Please find useful information and past screening checks below for you to use as you wish.
- Year_1_Phonics_Screening_Check_A_Guide_for_ParentsPDF File
- Phonics word reading practise qr-codes for homePDF File
- 2017-phonics-screening-checkPDF File
- 2018-phonics-screening-checkPDF File
- 2019_phonics-screening-checkPDF File
- 2022_phonics-screening-checkPDF File
- 2023_phonics-screening-checkPDF File
Useful links for the Phonics Screening Check