Teaching spelling well requires more than memorising word lists. It requires a clear understanding of how spelling works, how it connects to reading and phonics, and how to teach spelling in a way that supports long-term learning.
The Literacy Advisor’s approach to teaching spelling (Support for Spelling) provides schools with a structured, research-informed framework that supports teachers to deliver effective spelling instruction with confidence, consistency, and clarity.
-Fulfils the National Curriculum and DfE Writing Framework’s guidance
-Timesaving planning for years 2-6
-Easy to follow lesson structure and sequence.
What Is the Support for Spelling Approach?
The Teaching Spelling approach supports pupils to develop a deeper understanding of spelling, rather than relying on memorisation alone.
Spelling is taught as part of a wider literacy journey, closely linked to phonics and reading. Pupils learn to recognise spelling patterns, understand the relationship between sounds and letters, and apply spelling knowledge accurately within their writing.
Teachers are supported with clear guidance on what to teach and how spelling fits within a coherent, whole-school literacy approach.
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Effective exploration
Teachers are able to deliver a highy-effective exploration lesson that enables children to spot patterns and then receive direct teaching on the focus of the unit. Oracy is harnessed and dialogic talk thrives. Together with their partner and teacher, they engage with the content in a meaningful way.
Rigor and flexibility
All materials are provided so practitioners focus on bringing Support for Spellings to life in the classroom. Schools love the wealth of materials they can access but also appreciate the flexibility. E.g. Support for Spelling requires four 15-minute lessons per fortnight but schools can be flexible with this.
Word bank work
Children see an expert speller and hear how they learn new spellings. As well as orthography and morphology, they learn how to use the ‘Spelling toolkit’ to commit spellings into the longterm memory. Children are empowered to connect with words and ‘notice’ key things about them.
The 'Spelling toolkit'
All training is provided, along with exemplar units so staff have the confidence to model and support the approaches found in the ‘Spelling toolkit.’ These activities enable children to focus on the word or words they are learning to spell.
Reactivate prior learning
To ensure content is remembered and transcriptional fluency improves, children loop back to previous content. They use effective reading skills to explore content. From this, they then use their spelling knowledge from a previous unit to ‘error check’ and build confidence.
All materials provided
Error checking texts are provided and all revisit content is mapped out on the Support for Spelling overviews. Schools are also free to use texts that are relevant to the children. This flexibility enables them to harness prior learning and connect it with spelling work.
Effective practice
Children complete short and targeted acitivies on the unit focus. Teachers are supported to create the very best activities that deliver impact whilst taking minimal time to prepare.
Guidance provided
Model units and guidance documents are provided. Teachers will confidently build these short sessions so they empower the children to spell effectively. All training is included.
Who Is This Approach For and Why Does It Work?
This approach is suitable for pupils across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, as well as older pupils who continue to find spelling difficult. It is particularly effective for schools seeking a more consistent and structured approach to spelling.
Teaching spelling in this way works because it is rooted in classroom practice and research. It helps pupils understand spelling, builds strong links between phonics, reading, and writing, and supports consistent teaching across classes and year groups. At the same time, it develops teacher confidence and subject knowledge.
What do our schools say?
“The sequencing and repetition of learning has made a real difference in my class’ ability to spell and their confidence as learners.”
“Our spelling programme is proving highly effective, with children confidently applying taught patterns and showing clear improvements in accuracy and independence.”
“Our Y6 Mock SATs results were great for the time of year compared to previous years.”
“Our children are loving the sessions and are enjoying the structure of lessons. They can talk about each lesson and know what is coming.”
(These are statements from the 25/26 feedback form. All schools gain access to this so they can give ongoing feedback and help to shape the Support for Spelling package.)
Supporting Teachers and Schools
By strengthening teacher understanding, schools are better able to deliver spelling teaching that leads to lasting improvement for pupils.
Training and Support
Teaching Spelling can be supported through remote training, in-school training and support, and wider professional development through The Literacy Advisor.
This ensures schools receive the guidance and support needed to embed effective spelling practice.
Watch the video to the right to hear from Rebecca and Bethany who have implemented the approach in their school to great effect.
How Teaching Spelling Fits with The Literacy Advisor
Our teaching team were eager and equipped to begin our Support for Spelling journey, following the training received and the resources that followed. The research-informed training ensured that the ‘why’ behind the programme was clear and the flexibility in the programme has made it easy to implement into classrooms. The training provided has empowered our teachers with a structured yet adaptable framework that builds on phonics instruction and emphasises pattern recognition, enabling our children to develop a deeper understanding of spelling rules and strategies. The resources, including the termly overviews and the words to explore have added immense value to the delivery.
We highly recommend Support for Spelling to any school seeking to enhance their English curriculum with a research driven and engaging approach to teaching spelling.
Ms Dickson, Deputy Headteacher
The Pinxton Village Academies
“A great resource that is easy to use to teach spelling across the school. We have seen an impact already in Year 6 after only one term with an increase of 15% on our spelling scores from the previous year.”
Mel Bentley, Year 6 teacher
The Pinxton Village Academies