Phonological awareness

Understanding and working with the sounds in words, such as rhyming, blending sounds together and breaking words apart. This is a key foundation for reading and spelling.

Decoding (reading words)

The ability to sound out and read written words by linking letters to sounds.

Reading fluency

Reading accurately, smoothly and with understanding.

Reading comprehension

Understanding what is read, including main ideas, details, vocabulary and making meaning from text.

Encoding (spelling words)

Using sound, pattern and word knowledge to write words accurately.

Written expression

Using sentences and paragraphs to share ideas in writing, including grammar, organisation and clarity.

Literacy skills develop over time and build on strong speech and language foundations.

Literacy Assessment

A literacy assessment is child-friendly and may include:

  • Identifying and manipulating sounds in words.
  • Reading words and short texts.
  • Checking reading accuracy, fluency and understanding.
  • Spelling words and writing sentences.
  • Reviewing written work and handwriting demands.

The assessment identifies strengths and areas needing support and guides therapy goals.

Literacy Therapy

Literacy intervention is tailored to each child and may:

  • Strengthen sound–letter knowledge.
  • Support reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension.
  • Build spelling skills using evidence-based approaches.
  • Improve writing structure and clarity.

Families are provided with practical strategies to support reading and writing at home and school.

For information on literacy development milestones visit: