Petition · past parliament · Department for Education

Review guidance and funding for using SSP (phonics) to teach reading

Closed 3,205 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government should review guidance and funding arrangements for teaching reading, which currently focus on Systematic, Synthetic Phonics (SSP) teaching programmes. We believe teachers should be supported to teach a structured, cumulative and multi sensory approach and a range of strategies.
We believe that the current use by many schools of Systematic, Synthetic Phonics (SSP) teaching programmes does not meet the need of all students, and in particular those with dyslexia.

Onset-rime, syllable and rhythm based instructional approaches taught alongside phonics, could help enable those with reading difficulties to learn to read. Poor reading prevents children accessing the school curriculum and has a lifelong impact, significantly narrowing future work and life choices.

Timeline

25 Oct 2021 Petition opened for signatures
25 Apr 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,205
Status Closed
Department Department for Education
Opened 25 Oct 2021
Closed 25 Apr 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.