What are the first phonics sounds taught?

The first sounds are usually s, a, t, p, i, n. They are chosen first because they can be combined to make many simple words like sat, tap, pin and nap, so children can read real words almost straight away.

What order are phonics sounds taught in UK schools?

Phonics is taught in a set order, usually described in phases: single letter sounds first, then consonant and vowel digraphs, then alternative spellings and split digraphs, and finally spelling patterns and fluency. The exact scheme varies by school but the progression is broadly the same.

Why does the order of phonics sounds matter?

Each step builds on the last, and a new sound only appears in words once it has been taught. This means children are never asked to read something they have not been prepared for, which builds confidence.

What Order Are Phonics Sounds Taught In? A Parent's Guide

Phonics is taught in a careful, deliberate order. Each step builds on the one before, and a new sound only appears in words once it's been taught — so children are never asked to read something they haven't been prepared for. Schools often describe this order in phases. Here's the journey in plain terms.

First — Reception

Single letter sounds

Children learn one sound for each letter, starting with a carefully chosen group.

s · a · t · p · i · n then m · d · g · o · c · k …

These first six (s, a, t, p, i, n) are chosen because they make lots of simple words — sat, tap, pin, nap — so children read real words almost straight away.

Next — Reception / Year 1

Digraphs & vowel teams

Children discover that two or three letters can make one sound.

ch · sh · th · ng · ai · ee · igh · oa · oo · ar · or · air …

Then — Year 1

Alternative spellings & split digraphs

Children learn that the same sound can be written different ways, and meet the split digraph (the “magic e”).

a–e · i–e · o–e · u–e · e–e · ay · ea · ow · ew …

This is the level assessed by the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.

Finally — Year 2

Spelling patterns & fluency

Children move from decoding into spelling rules, word building (prefixes and suffixes), and reading with speed and confidence.

prefixes · suffixes · root words · syllables

Why the order matters so much

The careful sequence is what makes phonics work. Because each sound builds on the last, children always have the tools to read the words in front of them. That's why it's best not to rush ahead — steady progress through the order builds genuine, lasting confidence.

What if my child's school uses different names?

Different schools use different phonics schemes (you may hear names like Letters and Sounds, Read Write Inc, or others), and the exact labels and order can vary slightly. But the underlying journey — single sounds, then digraphs, then alternative spellings, then fluency — is broadly the same everywhere. If you're unsure where your child is, their teacher can tell you.

Every sound, in the right order

PhonicSpace follows this careful sequence across 30 levels — the same order schools use. A calm phonics app for Reception and KS1, informed by over 40 years of UK primary teaching and SENCO experience.

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This guide is for general information; phonics schemes vary between schools. Your child's school is always the best source of advice. PhonicSpace is informed by over 40 years of UK primary teaching and SENCO experience.