– Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) general secretary Dr Mary Bousted
Phonics should not be the only game in town; it is just one of many equally valid and useful methods of teaching children how to read. Phonics checks for six-year-olds risk doing more damage than good."
– National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) general secretary Russell Hobby
Phonics is an essential part of early literacy, but this approach risks distorting teaching and reduces freedom."