Phonics

We follow the Read Write Inc. scheme, a high-quality systematic phonics programme that gives children the best possible start with their reading.

The scheme prepares children for learning to read by developing phonic knowledge, comprehension and reading skills.

As well as learning to read and blend real words, children will have plenty of opportunities to apply their sound recognition skills by reading ‘nonsense words’. These words will also feature heavily in the Year One Phonics Screening check during the summer term.

The aim of the programme is to make children fluent readers by the age of seven. Our approach to teaching phonics is consistent in each class and has proved to be highly successful, with our phonics screening results improving every year since 2016. To ensure our high standards are maintained, we have regular development days led by a Read Write Inc. specialist to coach us in new developments and provide training for our staff. All children are assessed regularly so they can work alongside other children who are at the same level. This allows full participation in lessons.

EYFS

In Reception, children are taught a phonics lesson four times a week where they are introduced to the speed sounds. They will be taught how to say, read and write the sounds, then how to blend the sounds to read words.

Year 1 and Year 2

In Key Stage 1, children are taught a daily phonics lesson where they build on their phonic skills from Reception and learn the complex sounds and alternate spelling patterns.

The Year 1 phonics screening check is a short assessment to confirm whether individual children have learnt phonic decoding to an appropriate standard. It will identify those pupils who need extra support to improve their reading skills. They will then be able to retake the check in Year 2.

Key Stage 2

Because learning to read is a tremendously complex skill to master, any children who still need support with their reading in Key Stage 2 are taught Read Write Inc. phonics as an intervention programme. This provides children with the essential knowledge and skills to succeed in this vital skill.