"Sounds~Write has had an immediate effect on raising the standards in reading and spelling at our school […] I can highly recommend the training, which is thorough and engaging and totally equips the participants to deliver the Sounds~Write programme effectively."

- Monica Basham, serving Head Teacher at St Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Primary School in Bletchley, Milton Keynes

"We are now two years in to the Sounds-Write programme at Cedars and it has had a huge impact on our children and staff. Our Literacy results in Key Stage 1 have shown a marked improvement and Sounds-Write has certainly contributed towards this. We have now expanded the use of Sounds-Write in to our Foundation 1 Class (Nursery) and also as an intervention programme in Key Stage 2. We are already seeing clear signs of a positive impact in both these areas."  

- Steve Kelly, Head Teacher, Cedars Primary School, Newport Pagnell  

"As for a testimonial: this is from our recent Nov 08 Ofsted report. 'The highly effective programme of phonics teaching, delivered acrossall classes and tailored to meet the needs of all abilities, accounts for the improved standards in reading and writing'".  

- Steve Hopkinson, Head Teacher at Wyvern First School in MK

“We have been delighted with the impact of the Sounds-Write programme.  Our children have made very good progress in reading and writing and we believe this rigorous programme has been key to raising standards of literacy.  Having introduced Sounds-Write at my previous school and seen first hand the enormous benefits, I had no hesitation in introducing  this progamme  at Priory Rise.  Sounds-Write makes sense and this is the comment most frequently offered by parents and staff.” 

- Sue Cox, Head Teacher at Priory Rise Primary School in Milton Keynes

'Which part(s) of the course did you enjoy most and why?'  

"I enjoyed all of it.  [The trainer] is a very interesting and informed presenter.  There was just the right balance of theory/instruction/practice."

"It was all good.  The research was well explained and practical sessions were fun."  

"The practical - going through lessons, and discussions."  

"All.  Very helpful and useful.  Learnt a great deal of information.  The lessons are excellent.  Clearly laid out."  

"All of it!"  

"Practical activities and demonstrations - learned a lot.  I enjoyed all of this course."  

"I enjoyed being able to practice the lessons with a colleague.  It enabled me to immediately identify areas that I needed clarification on and to think about how I would integrate the programme into my classroom teaching."  

"[The trainer's] delivery made even the most difficult concepts understandable and interesting."    

'If someone you knew was considering coming on this course, what advice would you give them?'  

"Definitely go on it.  Tells you everything you need to know about the code of English and the skills children need to access/use the code to read and spell.  You will be a much better teacher for it."  

"Hurry up!"  

"Prepare to be enlightened."  

"Definitely go - don't miss it!"  

"Go, go - super course, loved it."  

"To be open-minded to the phonic approach.  Not to worry if they were not familiar with phonics prior to the course."  

"Don't hesitate - just do it!"

"Excellent pace, demonstrations and explanations. I look forward to using the skills I have learned in enhancing the lives of children who lack reading/spelling skills and self-confidence. Thanks - an excellent programme."

"I have very much enjoyed this course. I considered myself to be a good teacher of phonics, but have now realized that I had gaps in my knowledge and that perhaps the words that I've used to explain spellings may have confused children in the past. I am inspired to use what I have learnt with my own children and I'm looking forward to the challenges of adapting the Sounds-Write approach to Braille. A very useful 5 days - thank you."

"Highly organized. Explanations were logical and practical. The systematic approach was easy to follow and allowed preconceived ideas to be altered/challenged."

"Excellent delivery, good breaks to allow assimilation. A fantastic course which makes so much sense. It will make a difference to how I view literacy and education."

"An outstanding course! Although I have completed a PGSE I actually feel very very confident that I can now teach children to read. This confidence was lacking before I did the SW course because I had not been taught how to teach someone to read. Training delivery was superb with clear explanations and great modelling. The chance to practise teaching all of the lessons helped to consolidate the prior learning. Thank you."

" I really enjoyed this course - it was the most useful thing I've done since my PGCE (20 years ago)."

"On completion of the Sounds~Write course, I would like to formally acknowledge the wonderful tutor whom made the course an absolute pleasure to complete while I am on holidays. Mary Gladstone is a true asset to your company and her power to inspire is amazing. I have walked away from this course today excited to embark upon a new learning adventure with many students whom I feel have been let down by an educational system which is overload with 'stuff'. Mary presented the course in such a manner I was eager to go home and get straight into imparting my new skills and knowledge upon my children. I must admit, each day when I returned home, they were eagerly awaiting the next exciting activity I wanted to trial with them. As a parent and an educator I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to learn from a passionate practitioner who makes it all so exciting.  I look forward to many successfull adventures with the students I come in contact with now and feel extremely confident I WILL make a difference."

"My son had speech and language problems and now aged 4 has read his first ever (little) book. Thanks to Sounds~Write."

" I went on the training course in July, at Middleton Lower school, Milton Keynes.The training I received was fantastic. The resullts in 7 short weeks have been amazing and parental praise enormous."

"It really is the most inspiring and informative course I have been on in eight years teaching!"

"Clear explanations and good pace. Questions always responded to and answered clearly."

"I was fascinated at the simple approach to concepts which impede learning in other methods."

"It has been an eye-opener into how and why children struggle."

"Thank you so much. A brilliant course with many of my erroneous misconceptions now eradicated! Phew!"

"The resource packs are fantastic - and the course really did allow me the opportunity to use and navigate myself around the programme manual – and to really embed the key vocabulary and gestures that are essential to consistent delivery in the classroom."

"This programme makes so much sense."

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole course. It was one of those courses that leaves you buzzing. I am excited at the prospect of using this new approach within my school."

"Be prepared for an intense but stimulating week with plenty of enthusiasm and practical ideas. I am raring to get back to the classroom."

"Definitely go! The presentation, information and teaching are excellent. The presenters are willing to respond to every little question and to give fulfilling answers."

"Many thanks for the best inset of my teaching career to date"

"Do attend. Enthusiastic, energetic and enjoyable teaching."

"It is the most practical and informative course I have ever been on. It provides lots of opportunity for ideas and suggestions of application in the classroom for all ages."

"I thought the training was excellent. Clear, concise and to the point, everything was relevant."

"The Sounds~Write file is a real working document."

"Get ready to soak up lots of information. The pace and clarity of the lessons is excellent."

"The best course I've ever been on!"