Essential Letters and Sounds: Essential Phonic Readers: Oxford Reading Level 3: A Den in the Woods

A Den in the Woods allows children to apply their phonics learning from Reception, Spring 1, Week 6 of Essential Letters and Sounds. These readers complement existing Oxford University Press decodable books and can be used alongside them to strengthen phonics teaching and reading confidence.


Engaging fiction and non-fiction readers fully aligned to each week of Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS), helping children consolidate their phonics knowledge through reading in context. These fully decodable books are 100% matched to the phonic progression of ELS, a systematic synthetic phonics programme validated by the Department for Education. Perfect for supporting early reading and phonics practice at home or in school.


Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS) is a Department for Education validated synthetic phonics programme, developed by the Knowledge Schools Trust English Hub to help children learn to read quickly and confidently.


Structured around daily lessons and matched to the progression of the original Letters and Sounds framework, ELS provides a clear, systematic approach to phonics. Each stage is supported by engaging decodable books, interactive resources, and practical guidance for parents and teachers.


Used in classrooms across the UK, ELS is designed to build fluent readers, confident speakers, and willing writers. Affordable, flexible, and easy to implement, it works seamlessly with existing resources while offering everything needed to support children's literacy journey both at school and at home.