Systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) teaching programme validation
The self-assessment form, essential core criteria and supporting information for SSP programme validation applicants.
Documents
Details
Since 2010, the government has sought to embed the effective teaching of phonics. We’re committed to continuing to raise literacy standards, ensuring that all children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, can read fluently and with understanding.
To achieve this ambition, we recognised that more was needed to ensure all children had access to best-practice phonics teaching. In April 2021, we published updated essential core criteria for systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programmes and launched a validation process.
Although the 2021 to 2022 validation process has now been completed, the information provided for it, including the self-assessment form, criteria and guidance, remains available for reference. We’re not planning any imminent future validation rounds, but any update will be provided on this page.
When completing the self-assessment form, applicants were asked to:
- demonstrate how their programme met each of the 16 essential core criteria
- provide digital evidence of resources for the panel to review
The supporting documentation included:
- the 16 essential core criteria that published SSP programmes had to meet
- further explanatory notes
- details for publishers of new programmes and those based on Letters and Sounds who wanted their programme to be considered for validation
- the appeals and complaints procedure
Last updated 10 March 2023 + show all updates
-
Updated the information about the systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP) validation process.
-
'Validation of systematic synthetic phonics programmes: supporting documentation' has been updated with the latest validation round information.
-
Updated panel 3's resubmission date to September 2022.
-
This April 2022 update is not an update to the list of validated programmes; this is due to take place in late Spring. This is an update to reflect that the third panel deadline has now passed.
-
Updated 'Validation of systematic synthetic phonics programmes: supporting documentation' with the 2021 to 2022 phonics validation process and added 'Submitting phonics programmes for validation: application form guidance'.
-
Updated guidance for a February validation window.
-
Updated the deadline for the third validation panel to 31 March 2022.
-
Page updated to include new essential core criteria and accompanying self assessment form for systematic synthetic phonics (SPP) programmes.
-
First published.