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David Appleyard

David Appleyard

David has over a decade of experience in early years and reading as a school governor and EYFS lead. He's spent 20+ years working in online education for Envato and Design Shack, teaching creative and technical skills to millions (and managing a team of educators).

He's also taught two boys to read from scratch — and remembers exactly how bewildering the early stages can feel. He knows this journey from both sides of the fence.

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Year 1 phonics screening check: 2026 parent guide

Year 1 phonics screening check: 2026 parent guide

May 18, 2026 • 10 min read

Year 1 phonics screening check: 2026 parent guide

What the phonics screening check involves, our practice tool, downloadable word cards, and advice on how to help your child with the phonics assessment test in June 2026.

How to teach kids phonics: a practical guide for parents

May 12, 2026 • 7 min read

How to teach kids phonics: a practical guide for parents

What age should a child read fluently? A realistic guide for parents

May 11, 2026 • 6 min read

What age should a child read fluently? A realistic guide for parents

Why is reading important for children? The case every parent should know

May 8, 2026 • 6 min read

Why is reading important for children? The case every parent should know

Reading with your child: how to make the most of it at every stage

May 7, 2026 • 6 min read

Reading with your child: how to make the most of it at every stage

Reading for pleasure: why it matters and how to foster it at home

Reading for pleasure: why it matters and how to foster it at home

May 5, 2026 • 6 min read

Reading for pleasure: why it matters and how to foster it at home

Reading for pleasure matters more than almost anything else. We're explaining why, along with practical ideas to foster a love of reading at home.

What is prosody in reading? A guide for parents

May 4, 2026 • 6 min read

What is prosody in reading? A guide for parents

Share a Story Month: the magic of reading together

May 3, 2026 • 5 min read

Share a Story Month: the magic of reading together

What is guided reading? A guide for parents

May 1, 2026 • 6 min read

What is guided reading? A guide for parents

National Walking Month: bringing books along on adventures

May 1, 2026 • 5 min read

National Walking Month: bringing books along on adventures

Letters and Sounds: what it was and what replaced it

Letters and Sounds: what it was and what replaced it

April 30, 2026 • 6 min read

Letters and Sounds: what it was and what replaced it

Letters and Sounds phonics explained: what the original DfE framework involved, its six phases, and what has replaced it in UK schools.