English: Phonics

Intent: Our reading and writing curriculum enables children to communicate clearly and access knowledge, opening doors to other cultures and the world around them.

We are passionate about building confident, enthusiastic readers from the very beginning. Phonics lies at the heart of our early reading and writing curriculum, and we use the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme — a systematic and structured phonics programme with a whole school approach to teaching early reading and writing. Phonics teaches children the relationship between sounds and the letters that represent them. This helps children read and spell words confidently and accurately, laying the foundation for fluent reading and joyful writing.

Phonics is taught throughout EYFS and Key Stage 1, with the Read Write Inc. programme beginning in the summer term of Nursery. Prior to this, children develop essential listening and sound discrimination skills. Once the phonics programme is completed in Key Stage 1, children move into reading and grammar groups to further develop fluency and comprehension. In Key Stage 2, any children who benefit from continued phonics teaching receive targeted support through one-to-one tutoring or small-group Read Write Inc. sessions.

Phonics lessons are lively, engaging and multi-sensory. Children take part in active learning through speaking, listening, partner work and storytelling. They use ‘Fred Talk’ to help them sound out words and make links between spoken sounds and written letters, helping reading feel achievable and enjoyable.

All children are assessed regularly and taught in small progress groups, ensuring phonics teaching is closely matched to their needs so every child can experience success and make strong progress. Our teachers and support staff are trained in delivering the Read Write Inc. programme, ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach across the school. Staff work closely together to support every child, celebrate progress and provide additional help where needed.

One-to-one tutoring We believe every child can become a confident reader. Where additional practice is beneficial, children receive a daily 10-minute one-to-one tutoring session. This personalised support helps deepen understanding, build confidence and enable children to make rapid, sustained progress.

After-School Phonics Club:

Our after-school phonics club offers short, focused sessions that reinforce key phonics skills taught in class. Delivered in a calm, supportive environment and closely aligned with the Read Write Inc. programme, the club provides targeted practice to build confidence, strengthen fluency and support children in becoming successful, enthusiastic readers.

Home support: We value the vital role parents play in supporting early reading. Children take home Read Write Inc. books that closely match the sounds they have been taught, alongside books for pleasure to enjoy with an adult. We provide guidance and resources to help families support phonics learning at home with confidence.