JPHUK - Jolly Phonics, British English Version
Jolly Phonics: using synthetic phonics to ensure that all children learn to read
Jolly Phonics has transformed how children learn to read in classrooms worldwide. At the heart of this success is Sue Lloyd, co-author and creator of the programme, whose classroom-based research, practical insight and clarity of explanation have shaped how millions of children worldwide learn to read and write.
This online course offers teachers a unique opportunity to learn directly from Sue Lloyd, who explains not only what to teach but also why Jolly Phonics works and how it should be taught for maximum impact. Grounded in decades of classroom experience and supported by extensive international research, this course goes far beyond a surface introduction to phonics. It equips teachers with the confidence, understanding and practical expertise needed to deliver Jolly Phonics exactly as it was designed.
Importantly, this is the course that has trained thousands of teachers in Ireland to teach Jolly Phonics. Ireland’s strong performance in international literacy assessments is widely recognised, with Irish pupils ranking second worldwide in the most recent PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study) results. While many factors contribute to literacy success, the widespread, consistent and high-quality implementation of structured phonics programmes such as Jolly Phonics has played a significant role in supporting early reading outcomes.
Jolly Phonics is widely recognised as one of the most effective synthetic phonics programmes available. Its strength lies in its clarity, structure and child-centred approach, enabling children to decode words independently, read with confidence and develop secure spelling and writing skills from the very beginning. Schools across the world choose Jolly Phonics because it works, and because it works quickly, inclusively and reliably for all learners.
This course is approved as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) by the Irish Department of Education, providing formal recognition of its quality, relevance and alignment with national educational priorities.
This course is designed for teachers seeking a deeper understanding of phonics beyond a cursory or intuitive grasp. A well-trained teacher, fully versed in the principles, sequence and teaching strategies of Jolly Phonics, is far more effective in supporting early reading success. On successful completion of this course, you will return to your classroom with a deep professional understanding of the programme and a clear sense of how to apply it day by day, across the school year.
Whether you are new to Jolly Phonics, planning to introduce it for the first time, or an experienced teacher seeking to refresh and deepen your practice, this course provides a rich, supportive and highly practical professional learning experience.
What you will learn
Throughout the course, Sue Lloyd guides participants through every aspect of Jolly Phonics, combining theory, classroom demonstration, practical advice and professional reflection. Key areas include:
- How and why synthetic phonics underpins successful reading and writing
- The five basic skills of Jolly Phonics and how they work together
- Effective strategies for blending, segmenting and spelling
- Teaching tricky words and navigating the complexities of the English alphabetic code
- Supporting children who struggle and extending those who progress quickly
- Building reading fluency, comprehension and confident independent writing
- Using assessment and observation to guide instruction
- Responding to common questions from teachers and parents
The course is rich in examples, sample lessons, helpful hints and real-world classroom guidance, all drawn from Sue Lloyd’s extensive experience working with teachers internationally.
“This training is very thorough... those who can effectively learn in this way should be well prepared by it to teach synthetic phonics using the Jolly Phonics programme.” UK, Department for Education, Standards Division.
This is a fully online, self-paced course, allowing you to engage with the content at a time and pace that suits you. Participants are encouraged to interact through discussion forums, where questions are explored, ideas are shared, and professional practice is enriched. Expert facilitation ensures guidance, feedback and support throughout.
Assignments encourage reflection, creativity and practical application, helping to translate learning directly into classroom impact.
On completion of this course, each participant can download their CPD record and Certificate from CPD College. The Certificate of Completion demonstrates your achievement in completing this professional development course.
Note: Each participant has 90 days access to the course from their date of enrolment.
On successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles and research basis of Jolly Phonics, including the rationale for synthetic phonics as developed by Sue Lloyd and Sara Wernham
- Describe and apply the five basic skills of Jolly Phonics to support children’s early reading, spelling and writing development
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the English alphabetic code, including letter sounds, digraphs, blends, alternative spellings and vowel patterns
- Plan and deliver structured Jolly Phonics lessons with confidence, following the intended sequence and methodology of the programme
- Support the development of reading and writing skills, including blending for reading, segmenting for spelling, handwriting and independent writing
- Use observation and assessment to monitor progress and inform effective teaching decisions
- Identify and support children who experience difficulties with literacy, using targeted, practical strategies
- Reflect on and strengthen professional practice, applying course learning to deliver Jolly Phonics with fidelity and consistency in the classroom
| 01 - The development of Jolly Phonics: Explore the origins of Jolly Phonics through Sue Lloyd’s professional journey, the research that informed its development, and the educational context that led to the rise of synthetic phonics. |
| 02 - Jolly Phonics and the 5 basic skills: Examine each of the five core skills in detail, including learning the letter sounds, letter formation, blending, identifying sounds in words and tricky words. |
| 03 - Teaching with Jolly Phonics: Step inside the classroom with Sue Lloyd as she demonstrates how Jolly Phonics is taught through structured daily lessons and clear progression. |
| 04 - Improving reading and writing skills: Learn how to extend phonics teaching across the remainder of the first year, with a focus on reading fluency, comprehension, writing development and targeted support for struggling learners. |
| 05 - Resources to support your teaching: Consolidate learning through Sue Lloyd’s summaries and helpful hints, sample lessons, international research and guidance on using Jolly Phonics materials effectively. |
"WOW! I came looking for ideas to improve how I teach reading with my children. What an incredible, awe-inspiring experience. Totally transformative. I now teach the five core skills relentlessly, and the children are progressing at rates I would’ve previously thought impossible. I got it all in this course - pedagogy, principles, practices, approaches & techniques, advice and plenty of ideas. The course chat forums were wonderful, too; it was great to connect with fellow teachers on a like-minded mission! It's so rewarding to see my class actually reading. Well done CPD College and Jolly Learning.” Emer, 2025