Many leading figures in the early years sector are worried that an overemphasis on phonics will adversely affect young children's passion for reading and language, and that synthetic phonics may not be the best method for all children, working against the concept of learning through play.
On the other side are avowed champions of synthetic phonics, who believe that evidence from studies such as that in Clackmannanshire prove how effective the method can be and who are producing schemes for schools to follow.
The review will inevitably mean major changes for the national literacy strategy, and further upheaval for teachers and early years practitioners.
Whatever the outcome, it is vital that every effort is made to foster in young children a love of books and reading. In this week's Nursery World, you'll find the third part of our series on building a Foundation Stage book collection by Judith Stevens. This time she looks at traditional tales in books that are sure to be firm favourites, with or without the aid of synthetic phonics!
Liz Roberts, editor