Phonics & Reading

We know the importance of children learn to read and impact this has on their success at school. This is why we put reading at the heart of what we do.

We use a programme called Read Write Inc. Phonics to teach our children to read and write. We use half-termly assessments to ensure that children are reading books at their challenge point. We ensure that children have completed the RWI program before they move off the scheme to follow a reading comprehension and spelling programme. Children can complete the programme in Year 1 but most complete this in Year 2. Children in Year 3 and 4 who need extra support continue to follow this programme too. Those readers in Year 5 and 6 children follow a similar programme called Fresh Start.

Read Write Inc. Phonics is a literacy programme developed by Ruth Miskin and published by Oxford University Press. 

In the programme, children learn sounds and the letters that represent them, and how to form the letters. Then, they read books written using only the letters they have learnt (and a small number of separately taught ‘red words'). This gives the children plenty of early success and builds up their reading confidence. Children read their ‘Phonics book’ during their reading sessions at least 3 times before bringing it home to share with an adult at home. These means that the children will be confident and feel like a reader! The children also take home another book which matched to the one they have been practising which they are less familiar with. 

Information and guidance on the Read Write Inc. programme can be obtained by following this link: Parent guide to Read Write Inc. Phonics - Oxford Owl 

The children are taught in small groups every day that are matched to their reading ability. Each half term, the children from Reception to Year 2 are assessed to ensure that they are in the correct group which matches their ability. 

As children become confident readers, they will move on to become 'free readers'.  Then, during their reading sessions, they will share a class book and focus on reading comprehension skills.

As a school, we understand the importance of reading for pleasure and make time each day to share stories as a class. Every class enjoys listening to an adult read aloud each day. This may be one of our ‘hook books’ linked to our curriculum or another book for pleasure.

We value the importance of children reading at home and want them to become lifelong readers, so we encourage them to take library books home to share with parents and carers in addition to their 'scheme' reading books.