Pedagogy Perspectives with Elizabeth Nonweiler

Elizabeth Nonweiler is Chair of the Reading Reform Foundation and a long-standing advocate for evidence-informed reading instruction. With over 20 years of experience as a classroom teacher and decades of work in teacher training and policy advising, she has played a central role in shaping national literacy strategy - most notably as a contributing author of England’s influential Reading Framework.

We discuss:

• How her personal and professional journey led to a deep commitment to systematic synthetic phonics, catalysed by realising the impact of poor instruction on early readers.
• The significance of structured phonics instruction, early identification, and the importance of quick, rewarding success for learners - particularly those who may otherwise disengage.
• The development and implementation of the DfE’s Reading Framework, and how teacher understanding, not just compliance with schemes, is central to literacy success.
• Barriers to consistency across the UK, and how leaders, advisors, and policymakers must prioritise phonics and language-rich environments to ensure all children become confident, independent readers.

Listen in to hear how Nonweiler combines deep classroom insight with national policy influence - advocating for structured, joyful literacy that is inclusive by design. Her reflections highlight the urgency of getting the basics right early, while recognising that success in reading must be sustained and built upon across all stages of education.