How to Access Support
- Fill in and return a short Primary Self-Referral Form
- Fill in and return a short LA, NLE, MAT Referral Form
- Fill in and return a short Secondary Self-Referral Form
- Find out more about our free training and CPD events
Free, Fully Funded Reading Audit
Empowering schools to build strong foundations in reading.
As part of our English Hub offer, we’re providing a free, fully funded Reading Audit to help schools strengthen their early reading provision. Following a simple self-referral, our team will contact you to arrange an audit and discuss the level of support available — from bespoke advice to targeted funding and partnership opportunities.
What Your School Will Receive
Bespoke Advice & Recommendations
Receive a detailed report with tailored short- and long-term actions aligned with the Hub’s three key priorities:
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Effective systematic synthetic phonics provision
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Strong early language and oracy development
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Promotion of a love of reading across the whole school
Free CPD Opportunities
Access a wide range of professional development sessions, including:
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Local half-day events exploring the Hub’s three core aims
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Remote twilight sessions on topics such as:
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Reading fluency
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The role of the Reading Lead
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Phonics for ITT/ECT teachers
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Preparing for the PSC
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Oracy and quality conversations
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The Writing Framework
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Partner School preparation
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Regional conferences and nationally accredited year-long programmes:
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Transforming Schools’ Reading Culture (TSRC)
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Early Language and Oracy
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Reading Ambition for All (RAFA)
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Reading Fluency: The Bridge to Comprehension
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Funding Support
Eligible schools may access funding to enhance early reading provision, including:
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Accredited SSP training course costs and portal access
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Validated SSP resources, such as handbooks, word cards, friezes, and charts
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Decodable books matched to validated SSPs
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Early language materials recommended by the Hub
View the DfE’s current list of validated SSP programmes [here].
Partner School Support
Schools completing an audit may be invited to join as a Partner School, gaining access to:
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3–12 fully funded support days over 12–24 months with a nationally trained Literacy Specialist
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Priority booking for all free CPD events
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Exclusive Partner CPD sessions and drop-ins
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Specialist assessment and data support for SSPs
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Follow-up guidance beyond the initial partnership
Eligibility Criteria
The following state-funded schools can access English Hub support and funding:
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Infant schools
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Primary schools
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Junior schools
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Special schools with primary-aged pupils
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Pupil Referral Units with primary-aged pupils
To become a Partner School, schools must have a KS1 cohort completing the Phonics Screening Check (PSC).
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Secondary schools – please see our Secondary Support page for more information
Priority Consideration
If demand exceeds capacity, schools meeting two or more of the following criteria will be prioritised:
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Below-average PSC results overall or for disadvantaged pupils
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Lowest 20% of pupils not on track for expected PSC standards
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Higher-than-average proportion of pupil premium or EAL pupils
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Identified areas for phonics development in Ofsted reports
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Risk of declining phonics standards
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Referral from trusted local partners (e.g., NLEs, RSC, LAs)
Funding Levels
Funding offers are tailored to each school’s context and level of need.
Schools may still qualify for non-match-funded support if they meet two or more priority criteria.
Schools may still qualify for non-match-funded support if they meet two or more priority criteria.
[Complete the Self-Referral Form] to request your school’s Free Reading Audit and discover how our English Hub can support your literacy journey.
Schools in the following La’s can access funding of up to £6000.00:
- Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland, Stockton and Sunderland