Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS)
DfE validated, essential phonics programme for getting all children to read well, quickly
About Essential Letters and Sounds
Developed for teachers by teachers from Knowledge Schools Trust, ELS follows the 2007 Letters and Sounds progression and uses a daily, structured approach to teaching phonics that gives children and teachers consistency and security.
Why use ELS?
Because ELS follows the Letters and Sounds 2007 progression, it works with the decodable books you may already have. If you would like to expand your provision, we have a wide range of decodables that follow the ELS Progression available.
View all resources
Between February and March 2023, OUP undertook an impact study to gain an in-depth understanding of the extent to which, and how, ELS enables teachers to deliver consistent and structured phonics teaching. 99% of respondents reported that ELS has supported them at least to ‘some extent’, with 92% of respondents reporting that ELS has supported them to a ‘moderate’ extent.
Learn more about our this study on our Impact Hub.
Teacher training is delivered both online and face-to-face through Knowledge Schools Trust. Evolve Days offer in-school training that is tailored to the needs of your individual school, and support you to make the most of the scheme.
You can find out more about training here.
A 2023 Teach Primary Awards finalist in the ‘SEND’ category, interventions are available to ensure that any learning gaps are quickly filled, with support for children who encounter difficulties throughout the lesson. Tailored resources are available within the ELS online subscription to support the needs of SEND learners.
You can find out more here.
How to buy
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Talk to us - Book an appointment for advice on the right package, tailored to your school's needs. Order online - Use this order form to choose the right resources and order online. ELS training package - Purchase training to help you deliver high-quality teaching and maximise impact. |
ELS in the classroom
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How does ELS support fluency?
Watch the webinar
How to prepare for an inspection.
Watch the webinar
Is ELS the right SSP for your school?
Read the blog
Essential tips: Getting ready for September
Watch the webinar
How to make the most of ELS
Read the blog
Helping you and your children prepare for the phonics screening check
Join the ELS Refer a Friend programme
Spread the word about ELS!
✨ ELS teachers, join us in spreading the word about ELS to receive a £250 OUP voucher! ✨ Share your experience with colleagues in other schools to receive a £250 voucher to spend on ELS resources or decodable books of your choice*.
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