Phonics:

As a school we teach daily Phonics through the ‘Little Wandle’ programme, which is from the list of validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programmes.


The systematic teaching of synthetic phonics has a high priority throughout Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and where needed in Key Stage 2 also.

Staff systematically teach learners the relationship between sounds and the written spelling patterns, or graphemes, which represent them. 

Phonics is delivered in a whole class format, on a daily basis because it enables staff to ensure application across subjects embedding the process in a rich literacy environment for early readers.

High quality class and group teaching is the most efficient and effective way of ensuring good progress for children.

We use a range of multisensory strategies to enthuse and engage the children, including the use of interactive whiteboards, magnetic letters, speaking and listening, songs, rhymes and practical games and activities.

Children work with pace and are encouraged to apply their knowledge across the curriculum with any reading or writing activities.

Our systematic phonics programme also includes decodable books which are given to pupils both through online reading and via home reading record log books.

Reading:

We foster a love of reading from the moment that children arrive in school. Reading with confidence, accuracy and fluency, enables children to access learning successfully and develop their imagination and love of books.

All children read and are read to and books are selected with the knowledge of how they link to other areas of the curriculum. They provide opportunities for engagement in high quality texts, celebrating our own experiences and those of others.

Reading also helps boost a child’s vocabulary, literal and inferential thinking skills and familiarises them with parts of grammar that they may have been learning.

Parents are encouraged to read with their child at home, asking plenty of questions, to help their child progress.

Group and whole class reading sessions are planned by all teachers to teach a range of skills and techniques which enable children to comprehend the meaning of what they read and develop their understanding of the vocabulary used by authors.

All books are organised in KS1and KS2 in order to ensure progression and challenge for all children. This falls in line with the Bug Club programme linked to the teaching and learning of Phonics and Reading.

Bug Club is a web-based ability appropriate reading scheme which they can access at home and school.