Phonics

Each term children are assessed and placed into streamlined  groups (reflective children’s individual stages of development and ability). Streaming allows children to progress at their own pace, and to receive thoughtful and relevant challenges. Children’s progress is closely monitored by the phonics lead and additional, tailored support is provided to those who may need it. The scheme is thematic and supports inclusivity throughout. Phonics lessons are delivered daily, to all children. Each week children are sent home a RWI text to access and read at home. This is matched to their reading level on the programme. 

 Phonics in Reception

Phonics in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is closely aligned with the Development Matters framework, supporting holistic development in children aged 0 to 5. At the beginning of the year children are taught individual sounds (Set 1 Sound) and begin to form the individual letters. Sounds are reviewed during daily speed sound sessions. When children are confident with recognising 2-6 letters, they begin orally blending short words (CVC words).

Most children at this stage are accessing “Ditty” or “Red”materials - these are short, accessible stories which are decodable for children. When children are confidently using their Set 1 sounds to read CVC words, they may begin to learn Set 2 sounds. This helps to build a solid foundation for lifelong, enthusiastic, readers. 

Key Stage 1:

Green, Purple, Pink and Orange: 

Children in the Green, purple, pink and orange group review all previously taught sounds and begin/continue to learn Set 2 and 3 sounds. At this point children have developed a good understanding of how words are formed, and begin to develop fluency when reading. This is supported in the lesson with a speedy green word session. 

Children also begin to independently read texts that support their development of comprehension and composition of texts. Children are encouraged to predict what may happen in the story using story words, and also practise reading their texts with their peers. 

Interventions/Fresh Start 

Children who are not yet reading at the expected reading age, are offered opportunities to partake in interventions, and may be offered to partake in “Fresh Start.” This is an extension of Read Write In designed to support struggling readers. This may include children who are new to the UK’s education system, have English as a second language, or may have an additional or learning need. Children are exposed to decodable, age-appropriate texts, providing children with the skills and knowledge to read and spell.

Teaching Read Write Inc Phonics have several significant impacts on children's literacy development:

1. RWI helps children learn the relationships between letters (graphemes) and sounds (phonemes) using pictures and rhymes to help them remember. This equips them with the skills to decode unfamiliar words when reading. By recognising letter-sound correspondences, children can sound out words more effectively, leading to improved reading fluency and comprehension.

2. RWI supports reading and also aids in spelling. Children use their Fred Fingers to sound out letters and blend them together to read the word.  Understanding phonics rules and using strategies, helps children spell words accurately and apply spelling patterns in their writing.

3.  Learning phonics enhances children's vocabulary development by enabling them to decode new words independently. As they become more proficient in decoding words, they encounter a wider range of vocabulary in their RWI stories that is taught explicitly. This exposure to diverse words contributes to the expansion of their vocabulary repertoire.

4. Mastering phonics empowers children to tackle unfamiliar words with confidence, leading to increased motivation and engagement in reading activities. As they experience success in decoding words, they are more likely to approach reading with enthusiasm and persistence, which fosters a positive attitude towards literacy.

5.  RWI Phonics also serves as an early intervention tool for identifying and supporting struggling readers. By systematically teaching phonics, educators can identify areas where children may need additional support and provide targeted interventions to address their specific needs, thereby preventing reading difficulties from escalating.

6. Children who possess fluent reading skills can confidently engage with and comprehend various academic subjects. This proficiency in reading serves as a foundational skill that enables them to delve into the complexities of other disciplines, such as mathematics, science, social studies, and literature. As they navigate through articles, and instructional materials, proficient readers can extract information, analyse content, and effectively communicate their understanding. 

Overall, learning phonics in Year 1 plays a crucial role in laying the foundation for children's literacy development, equipping them with essential skills and strategies that facilitate reading, spelling, vocabulary acquisition, and overall literacy proficiency.

Phonics Screening Check

At the end of year 1, children are expected to complete the phonics screening check (this is in compliance with government guidelines). Children who do not pass the Phonics Screening Check, get to retake it in year 2. The phonics screening test is made up of 40 words, and is expected to last between 2 - 5 minutes. The test is compiled with real words and nonsense words, designed to test the accuracy of children’s reading.

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are offered unique support depending on their needs and abilities. Some children thrive within inclusive environments, and within the expected routines and behaviours of a phonics lesson. Other children require smaller group support, where there are adaptations to delivery and assessments dependent on the child’s individual needs.

Our school fosters a love of reading

We have developed systems of support to ensure that all children at Ascot Road can thrive. Here are some examples of events that run throughout the year. 

• After school phonics clubs, delivered by our trained and experienced teachers. 

• Daily interventions offered to children, delivered by our trained and experienced staff.

• World Book Day, a day to share why we love reading and to share our favourite books.

• Scholastic Book Fair, an event that encourages children and families to share their love of reading.

• After school reading events, to share our love of reading, hot chocolate and pyjamas. 

• Author visits, to share how we can become authors and ignite a passion for reading.

• Parents workshop to support parents reading with their children at home.