Discover playful literacy and phonics tips, expert advice, and creative learning ideas.
Thoughtfully written for families, carers and educators.

Delivering Early Years training in Kenya provided an opportunity to reflect on the foundations that support children's learning wherever they are in the world. In this blog, I share six universal learning foundations that continue to shape my work with children, families and educators.

Children ease back into learning with small steps, calm routines and gentle confidence‑building. From early phonics to GCSE literacy, these first weeks are about reconnecting with skills, feeling capable and enjoying simple practice. A reassuring guide for parents supporting learners aged 3–16.

A calm, parent‑friendly guide to Phase 4. Learn how children blend adjacent consonants, track longer words, and build early reading confidence, and how the Early Learner Box supports these skills in simple, structured steps.

Choosing the right book can make reading feel calmer, clearer and far more achievable for your child. Here are six simple checks to guide you.