IntroductionTeaching 'phonics' focuses on learning the relationship between letter patterns and the sounds they represent. This direct instruction teaches children how to make sound recording and how the visual symbol system of the English language represents the sounds of different words (Goouch & Lambbirth, 2007). According to the Department for Education (2013a), English is a pre-eminent language and central to English education and society. The document then explains that it is vital that children receive a high-quality education in English, as this will teach them to communicate their ideas and emotions to others and enable others to communicate with them. The reason is that the ability to read allows students to develop culturally, emotionally, intellectually, socially and spiritually; while also allowing children to gain knowledge, reinforce and build on what they already know. It is essential that children are educated with full English language skills, so that they can participate fully as a member of society; children who do not learn these skills fluently and confidently are effectively disenfranchised and alienated from society (Glazzard & Stokoe, 2013). It is then clear that a high level of attainment and achievement must be achieved to ensure that students have the capabilities necessary to succeed. well within society. However, according to the Ofsted report, Moving English Forward: Action to Raise Standards in English (2012), one in five pupils achieve below expected standards in English at the end of Key Stage 2. It is therefore essential to review procedures to ensure that these students receive support and...... middle of article .......Johnston, R. and Watson, J. (2005). The effects of synthetic phonics instruction on reading and spelling: A seven-year longitudinal study. Edinburgh: The Scottish Executive. Medwell, J., Moore, G., Wray, D. and Griffiths, V. (2011). Primary English - Knowledge and understanding. 5th ed. Glasgow: Learning Matters Ltd. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2000). Report of the National Reading Panel. Bethesda, MD: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Ofsted (2012) Moving English Forward: Action to Raise Standards in English. Ofsted.Rose, J. (2006) An independent review of early reading teaching. Nottingham: DfES. Torgerson, C.J., Brooks, G., & Hall, J. (2006). A systematic review of the research literature on the use of phonics in teaching reading and spelling. Nottingham: DFES.