You've Not Been Duped… You've Been Let Down: Why Struggling Readers Deserve More Than a Quick Fix

At The Reading Doctor, we meet children every day who have been through years of systematic phonics instruction,  sometimes as the only method offered and yet still cannot read.

They often arrive feeling defeated. These are bright, creative, curious young people who believe they are “behind” or “bad at learning,” when in fact they’ve simply been given the wrong key to unlock their potential. Their challenge isn’t a lack of intelligence or motivation, it’s that the approach used didn’t meet their needs.

A recent article published by Reading Recovery (“You’ve Been Duped”) powerfully highlights the problem with one-size-fits-all reading strategies, and how narrow interpretations of data are being used to discredit proven interventions in favour of mass-market solutions. At the heart of it lies a truth we know too well: there is no silver bullet when it comes to teaching children to read, especially those with barriers to learning or who are neurodivergent.

And yet, this is the narrative being fed to schools, families and policymakers: Just do more phonics, more intensely, and everything will work out. Keep repeating the same approach and expect a different outcome.

But for so many of our learners, this approach not only doesn’t work, in fact it actively damages them. We’ve seen firsthand how it can:

• Chip away at self-esteem

• Create shame around reading

• Discourage risk-taking and problem-solving

• Crush creative thinking and curiosity

• All in the name of chasing “fidelity to the scheme.”
  

At The Reading Doctor, we do things differently. Every learner we work with receives a personalised reading pathway based on a thorough initial assessment that looks at their strengths, learning style, and barriers to progress.

Our method is holistic, balanced and deeply human. Yes, we teach phonics (of course, it's integral to learning to read), but in a way that makes sense for that child, alongside real books, vocabulary building, visual memory work, language comprehension, handwriting, spelling, multi-sensory learning, and storytelling.

Most importantly, we rebuild confidence. We light the spark again.

Because reading isn’t just about decoding. It’s about meaning, connection, identity and enjoyment…a message getting activity.

We believe it's time to stop selling parents and schools a quick fix and instead offer something deeper: a relationship-based, bespoke intervention that recognises the whole child.

For some children, the road to reading is winding, and that’s okay. They deserve the time, the tools, and the trust to walk it at their own pace,  with someone beside them who sees what they’re capable of.