Supporting young learners in Key Stage 1 (ages 5–7) with literacy is one of the most rewarding challenges in education. The right resources can make reading, writing, and comprehension not only easier, but also more exciting and engaging for children. 

To save you time, we've gathered 10 of the best literacy resources currently available for KS1 in the UK; covering phonics, comprehension, writing, and reading for pleasure. 

1. EEF – Improving Literacy in Key Stage 1 

The Education Endowment Foundation’s guidance report is a must-read for any KS1 teacher. It’s evidence-based, practical, and packed with strategies around phonics, oral language, comprehension, and reading fluency. 

Best for: whole-school planning and teachers who want to base their literacy teaching on strong research. 

2. National Literacy Trust Free Resources 

The Literacy Trust offers a treasure trove of free classroom resources, lesson plans, and reading activities, all organised by age and stage. 

Best for: teachers who want ready-to-use ideas that encourage reading for pleasure. 

3. Twinkl KS1 Literacy 

Twinkl is the go-to platform for printable and digital resources aligned with the National Curriculum. From phonics and SPaG worksheets to comprehension activities, there’s something for every literacy objective. 

Best for: teachers who need adaptable, time-saving resources for different ability levels. 

4. The Literacy Tree 

This literature-based curriculum brings high-quality texts into the heart of teaching. It offers lesson sequences, toolkits, and CPD support for staff. 

Best for: schools adopting a consistent, book-led literacy curriculum. 

5. Mighty Writer 

Mighty Writer uses a multisensory approach to help children improve sentence structure, storytelling, and overall writing confidence. It’s interactive, visual, and engaging. Their website offers free lesson plans, worksheets, and CPD training webinars monthly.  

Best for: boosting writing outcomes and helping reluctant writers find their voice. 

6. School Reading List – KS1 Book Recommendations 

This curated list provides carefully chosen picture books and beginner chapter books that inspire and challenge young readers. 

Best for: selecting quality texts for class libraries, read-aloud, or guided reading. 

7. BBC Bitesize KS1 English 

BBC Bitesize is a household name, offering free videos, explanations, and quizzes that align with the curriculum. It’s bright, interactive, and perfect for revisiting tricky topics. 

Best for: homework, revision, and reinforcing learning at home. 

8. School Learning Zone – KS1 English 

This platform includes phonics, grammar, comprehension, and handwriting resources in a simple and easy-to-navigate format. 

Best for: supplemental practice for struggling learners or additional classroom activities. 

9. Paddington Bear Literacy Resource Pack (TeachWire) 

Built around Michael Bond’s much-loved character, this themed pack includes lesson plans and activity sheets to spark creativity. 

Best for: making literacy fun and engaging with a cross-curricular, story-based approach. 

10. Usborne Young Reading Series 

The Usborne Young Reading books are carefully graded to support children as they move from picture books to independent reading. 

Best for: guided reading sessions and encouraging reading confidence. 

Final Thoughts 

With these 10 resources, you’ll have a strong toolkit to inspire confident, capable readers and writers in Key Stage 1.