In a continued effort to make literacy resources accessible to all learners, the Global Phonics and Literacy Research Centre (GPLRC)—operated by the Smart Rudder Group—has launched a special outreach initiative to support homeschooling families across the UK. This community-focused programme offers structured reading activities, phonics support, and book donations to help parents build engaging literacy environments at home.

Bringing High-Quality Literacy Support into the Home

As more families choose to educate their children outside of traditional classrooms, GPLRC recognizes the need for flexible, research-based support tailored to home learning. The Centre has created a suite of free phonics-based activity packs, reading guides, and virtual workshops specifically designed for home educators and parents of early readers.

These resources include:

• Age-appropriate phonics games and reading activities
• Guided book lists with decodable texts and classics
• Parent-friendly tips for supporting fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary
• Access to GPLRC’s literacy video tutorials and printable toolkits

Book Donations Empower Home Libraries

In addition to instructional resources, GPLRC has donated over 500 new children’s books to homeschooling families in Salisbury, Winchester, and surrounding areas. These books—carefully selected to align with phonics and early literacy development stages—include a mix of fiction, nonfiction, culturally inclusive stories, and decodable readers.

Families receiving the books expressed deep appreciation, noting that many children were inspired to start independent reading time after receiving their new titles.

“We’re incredibly grateful for this support,” said one parent in Wiltshire. “The resources are practical, well-designed, and have made reading time more joyful and effective for our children.”

Creating a Community of Home Educators

In addition to the materials and donations, GPLRC is building a virtual network of homeschooling families through its new Home Reading Circle—an online platform where parents can connect, share best practices, and access expert Q&A sessions with the Centre’s phonics and literacy specialists.

“Our aim is to make every child feel supported in their literacy journey, no matter where or how they learn,” said Dr. Weiwei Zhang, Curriculum Director of Smart Rudder. “Homeschooling families deserve high-quality guidance just as much as traditional classrooms, and we’re proud to stand with them.”