Meet Your Tutor
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Kara Cook 🧩Online Phonics Tutor & Early Reading Specialist
I'm Kara, a qualified teacher, online phonics tutor and early reading specialist with over 25 years of teaching experience and an MA in Early Years Education.
I help children when reading feels tricky, supporting them with phonics and reading through fun, structured online lessons.
I’d love to meet you and your little reader and help them
take their next step towards becoming a confident reader. 💛
Phonics Pals Groups
🧩Small online phonics mini groups for children ages 4–7.
🧩Designed for early readers, growing readers, and confident readers.
🧩Fun, confidence-building lessons with personalised support.
Phonics Trial Options
Please choose the trial option that best matches your child's school year.
Reception Phonics Trial
£25 | 30-minute online session
For children starting or currently in Reception.
The trial includes:
✓ A gentle phonics and letter-sound check
✓ Oral blending where appropriate
✓ A fun, confidence-building phonics activity
✓ Personalised next steps for your child
Year 1 & 2 Phonics Trial
£25 | 30-minute online session
For children starting or currently in Year 1 who need a little extra support with phonics and reading.
The trial includes:
✓ A phonics and reading check
✓ Blending and segmenting where appropriate
✓ Seeing how your child uses phonics when reading
✓ A fun, confidence-building phonics activity
✓ Personalised next steps for your child
Is your child in Year 2?
If reading is still feeling a little tricky, Year 2 children are also welcome to book this trial. This gives me a chance to see where your child is now and recommend the most suitable next step.
Book Your Phonics Trial
Reception, Year 1 & 2 Trial Booking
🧩Phonics Trial – £25 | 30 minutes
A gentle phonics check, a fun activity and personalised next steps for your child.
Ready to book?
Choose your child’s school year below, then select an available time for their Phonics Trial.
Why Parents Choose Phonics Pals
✓ Small online groups of 3–4 children
✓ Carefully matched by stage, confidence, and learning style
✓ Fun, structured lessons with Puzzle, Wug, and Trick
✓ Confidence-first support from an experienced online phonics tutor
✓ Support with phonics, reading, spelling, and early literacy skills
What Happens After the Trial?
🧩If your child is a good fit for an existing Phonics Pals group, they can usually join soon after the trial.
🧩If there isn’t an immediate group match, I’ll recommend the best next step based on your child’s stage, confidence, and current availability.
Parent FAQs
Who are the lessons for?
Children ages 4–7. Phonics Pals is designed for Reception and Year 1 readers who are building confidence with phonics and early reading.
My child isn't 4 yet. Can they join Phonics Pals?
Phonics Pals lessons are designed for children aged 4+.
Even if your child has already started learning some sounds,
I recommend waiting until after their fourth birthday before beginning online phonics tuition.
You're very welcome to join my waiting list until the time is right. 💛
What happens in the phonics trial lesson?
🧩The phonics trial lesson is a 30-minute online session.
During the session, your child will take part in a fun, gentle phonics check and play a structured phonics game to help build confidence and rapport.
This session helps me understand your child’s current phonics skills, how they engage with learning, and their readiness for group sessions.
What do I need to prepare?
🧩 A quiet space
🧩 A laptop or tablet with Zoom
🧩 Paper and a pencil if needed
Everything else is guided, supportive, and child-friendly.
Is there ever a second trial session?
Sometimes. If your child appears to be a good match for a current Phonics Pals group, I may invite them to attend a second trial lesson with that group before joining.
How soon can my child start?
Most children begin the following week, depending on group spaces and availability.
Groups run during term time only. If you contact me during the school holidays, your child may begin with individual lessons before joining a suitable group once term begins.
Ready for your child to join phonics pals?
🪄Imagination + 🚀Confidence = 📚Reading Success