Bonds - which time period

[NickNick]

Hi all,

I know there has been a fair amount of talk on CDs, etc but can't find the relevant answers in search....

As well as some money in funds, I currently have some money in a Building Society account - I like to keep some "emergency money" instantly accessible, but at the moment there is more than sufficient in there.

I have found some 3/6/9 months bonds that offer a better rate than my building society (6.3, 6.35, 6.4% (pa) respectively compared to 5.5%).

Is it worthwhile putting some money into these?
If so, should I put it all into one time band (which?) or spread it over them all? (Laddering it?) There are also longer periods (3yr/5.5 yr) but would prefer to keep this money more accessible - it is v unlikely that I will need this in the near future, but much more likely that I'll want it in a few years.

I also assume that its best to have the interest kept in the bond rather than having that in a different account?

I am 21, UK based btw.

Thanks a lot
Nick