APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED.
DfE Validated Phonics Programme: “A Flying Start with Letters & Sounds” Phase 1
Fully funded spaces for 20 settings, provided by Thames Valley and South Central Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
Register your interest by submitting an EOI form- Deadline Friday 5th December.
Give your children a Flying Start on their literacy journey with this inspiring and practical phonics training day designed for practitioners working with children from birth to five years old.
Delivered by the programme developers, experienced Early Years Consultants with over 30 years’ experience each, this interactive course will equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to deliver Phase One Phonics through A Flying Start with Letters & Sounds, a DfE-validated systematic, synthetic phonics programme.
The programme consists of a 1 day in-person training session, termly networking sessions and a half day follow-up session. The full funded programme is delivered for 2 practitioners from each setting to attend, there needs to be a qualified member of staff (Level 3 or above) to take the lead in a setting or school. For example, the manager, the Headteacher, the class teacher, the phonics lead or a literacy coordinator.
The training day is on Tuesday 20th January 2026 at Holiday Inn, Reading South.
Throughout the day's training you will:
- Explore the seven key aspects of Phase One, from tuning into sounds to oral blending and segmenting.
- Discover how to embed phonics seamlessly through continuous provision, adult-led activities, and daily routines.
- Receive example planning templates, activity ideas, and assessment trackers to take straight back into your setting.
- Develop an action plan tailored to your environment and children’s needs.
Following the initial training, you’ll take part in an audit gap task, with a half-day follow-up session three months later to reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and plan next steps. Ongoing support is provided through termly network drop-ins, offering the chance to ask questions, share ideas, and continue developing best practice.
By attending this training course, you’ll help children to:
✔ Develop strong language and vocabulary skills
✔ Tune in to sounds in their environment
✔ Foster a lifelong love of reading
✔ Build the physical skills that underpin writing
Join us to ensure every child gets a Flying Start in phonics, language, and literacy.