Early Reading & Phonics
Intent
The intent behind our phonics approach is to:
- Nurture happy, confident children who develop a genuine love of books and reading.
- Deliver a high-quality systematic phonics programme so that all children read and write confidently and fluently by the end of Key Stage 1.
- Ensure all children can apply their phonics knowledge during reading sessions, writing lessons and across the curriculum.
- Provide full decodable reading books that match each child's secure phonetic knowledge, enabling success and confidence.
- Foster independence, resilience and reading stamina in every learner.
Implementation
Daily Phonics Lessons
- Phonics is taught through daily 15‑minute whole‑class lessons, followed by targeted small‑group support informed by six‑weekly assessments.
- We follow the Read Write Inc (RWI) structured phonics programme, which is fast‑paced, rigorous and highly engaging, enabling children to make strong progress.
- Phonics teaching is consistent across the school, with staff in Robins and Kingfishers using RWI resources and strategies such as mnemonics and mantras.
- In Bluebirds and Peacocks, children use the Read Write Inc sound mat, with 1:1 intervention provided where identified.
- In Years 2 and 3, pupils progress onto the school’s Word Power spelling approach, with phonological activities continuing to draw on Read Write Inc strategies and resources.
Daily Keep‑Up Sessions
- Any child requiring additional practice receives daily Keep‑Up support following the Read Write Inc pathway, with pupils working significantly behind their peers accessing daily 1:1 phonics sessions.
- Keep‑Up sessions mirror whole‑class teaching and use the same structure, strategies, resources and mantras, delivered in smaller steps with increased repetition.
- Pupils in Years 2–6 who are not yet fluent readers or have not passed the Phonics Screening Check are identified for daily Keep‑Up sessions alongside regular 1:1 reading.
- These pupils are assessed regularly to ensure gaps in reading are closing and progress is sustained over time.
- We ensure pupils secure the essential foundational knowledge, beginning in Early Years, that enables them to build increasingly complex understanding over time, so that the curriculum is coherently sequenced, cumulative, and helps all children know more and remember.
Reading practice sessions:
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- In Reception and Year 1 (Robins), children develop early reading skills through the daily Read Write Inc reading sequence, delivered by a fully trained adult.
- Groups are carefully monitored by the class teacher, who regularly rotates to work with each group and oversee progress.
- Reading books are closely matched to pupils’ secure phonic knowledge, ensuring successful and confident reading.
- Each session follows a clear structure, focusing on identifying Special Friends, segmenting words using Fred Talk, blending to read with Fred in Your Head, and developing fluency, expression and comprehension through paired and supported reading.
- In Year 2, pupils identified as needing additional practice also take part in small‑group Read Write Inc reading sessions three times a week.
Home reading:
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Pupils are provided with Read Write Inc short phonics videos to practise at home as new sounds are introduced.
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Children take home fully decodable reading books, carefully matched to their secure phonics knowledge, to support confident, independent reading.
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A Read Write Inc parent information evening is held at the start of the school year to support families in understanding how early reading is taught and how to help at home.
Impact
- Children develop secure decoding skills and fluency, enabling them to read confidently by the end of Key Stage 1.
Read Write Inc.
Read Write Inc. has 5 underlying principles = the 5 Ps:
Pace - Lessons move quickly to maintain focus, with no time wasted, ensuring efficient learning.
Praise - Teachers consistently praise effort and success, fostering a positive, confident learning climate.
Purpose - Every activity has a clear, shared learning objective, so children understand what they are learning.
Participation - All children are actively involved, using partner work (turn-taking) to practice and "teach" each other.
Passion - Teachers deliver sessions with enthusiasm to engage children emotionally and spark a love for reading.
Assessment:
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Read Write Inc assessments are completed every six weeks to ensure pupils are placed in the correct reading group and to identify any gaps in learning. These gaps are addressed through targeted ‘5‑minute box’ activities or additional Read Write Inc sessions.
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In Year 1, pupils complete the Phonics Screening Check. Any pupils who do not meet the expected standard are closely monitored and receive targeted support before re‑sitting the check in Year 2.
Follow these links for more information and helpful advice:
Parents Guide to sound pronunciation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXcabDUg7Q&t=10s
What is Read Write Inc?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjlPILhk7bQ
A Daily Read Write Inc lesson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFyDwUKSw7Y&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Reception children have a 30 min daily session. This is taught in small groups by a trained member of staff. Assessment is carried out at least once per half term.
Read Write Inc Phonic videos
The following Read Write Inc (RWI) video are available for you to watch. These will demonstrate how a phonics lesson is taught in school. Your child may already be aware of the single sounds or 'special friends' digraphs but it is always good to revisit sounds to consolidate learning.