New reading test for six-year-olds in UK

A Department for Education spokesman in UK said: "Academic research from all around the world - from Australia to the US - shows that systematic synthetic phonics is the best way to teach early reading.

"Pupils who need more help to master phonics need to be identified as early as possible, which is why we will introduce a phonics check for six-year-olds from next year."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-15491763

[Le Beaumont has incorporated a phonics element in all its English programs. Young children are recommended to first join the English Playgroup to get used to the sounds of English before moving on to the Jolly Phonics program.]