UFLI Overview Webinar for Schools
A practical introduction to UFLI Foundations for whole school staff, timed for your August Croke Park day. Choose from three dates to suit your school's schedule.
UFLI Foundations is a systematic, explicit phonics programme spanning Junior Infants to 2nd Class, with 128 units and straightforward lesson plans. Lessons run approximately 30 minutes and follow a consistent structure: systematic review of previously taught material, followed by explicit teaching and practice of new concepts. This predictable format supports both teachers and pupils, especially those who need more time and repetition to consolidate learning. The programme is also suitable for use in SET settings.
This webinar covers the programme's rationale, scope and sequence, and lesson structure, and walks through the free companion resources available online, including PowerPoint presentations, games, and decodable texts, so teachers know what is available to them from day one.Â
Schools are encouraged to watch together to support staff discussion and make the most of it as a shared CPD experience. Time is allocated for Q&A.
Teachers taking on UFLI this year can continue their learning with follow-on recordings, available for purchase, covering lesson walkthroughs, word work resources, the Sound Wall, decodable passages, progress monitoring, and small group support.
Webinar delivered by Deirdre O'Toole
Deirdre O'Toole is a primary teacher, PhDÂ researcher at Mary Immaculate College, and Ireland's only UFLI implementation trainer. Her research focuses on early literacy acquisition, and she delivers professional development for primary teachers across Ireland, supporting evidence-informed approaches to literacy instruction. Deirdre runs Playful Classroom, providing practical, research-based teaching resources and training, and is the founder of the Science of Reading Discussion for Irish Teachers Facebook group and Right to Read Ireland, advocating for high-quality literacy education for all children.
FAQs
How much does it cost?
€20 per school.
Does that cover my whole staff?
Yes. One purchase covers your entire school.
Do we have to watch it live?
Watching live is recommended, but it's not essential. A recording is available for seven days after the live sessions.
How long is it?
One hour, plus time for Q&A.
Do we watch it on each of the three dates?
No. The webinar runs on three consecutive dates to suit different school schedules. You choose the date that fits your Croke Park day and watch it once.
Do I have to choose the date now?
No. You will have access to watch the webinar live on any of the three days.
What class levels is it suitable for?
It is suitable for all primary teachers, including SETs.
How do we access the webinar?
After purchase you will receive an email with login details for Kajabi, where you will find the Zoom link, the recording, and any accompanying resources and links.
Do my staff need to log in individually?
No. One person logs in and the staff watch together: ideal for a shared CPD session on your Croke Park day.
Do I need to have purchased UFLI Foundations before attending?
No. This webinar is an introduction to the programme and is suitable for schools considering UFLI as well as those already planning to implement it.
How do I purchase the follow-on webinars?
Follow-on recordings (a series of three) are available to purchase from Navan, Clare, and Tralee Education Support Centres.
