England (Nottingham)
Tamsin has taught using Jolly Phonics for around fifteen years. She initially used the Jolly Phonics guidance to work my way through the 7 week basic code, learning the sounds and actions alongside the children. At the end of the first cycle it was evident how inspirational the programme was and she has used it ever since with foundation stage and year one children, always achieving outstanding progress and results using Jolly Phonics.
Her work for ten years as an AST has involved disseminating best practice in all areas. She has provided phonics training (in secondary schools too) and has spoken at Early Years conferences, courses and moderation events. Additionally, she has led presentations for parents so they can begin to understand how her schools teach their children to read and write.
Tamsin strongly believe that Jolly Phonics works so successfully because she teaches it within a rich, literate, play-based environment. Children have outstanding provision to learn the key skills of phonics and apply these skills in their independent learning in a range of classroom zones, always underpinning phonics and all early years teaching by providing a stimulating and imaginative classroom environment. She has taught using child-led and motivating topics, linking phonics to a rich literature based programme with inspiring books and open ended learning.