Our aim is for every child to be a fluent reader by the time they leave Key Stage 1 and the first step to this is through our phonics teaching.

Phonics is taught using the Read Write Inc (RWI) Programme. Teachers follow structured lessons as part of this programme. The sounds are taught progressively; Set 1, Set 2 and Set 3 sounds. Each sound is introduced with a short rhyme and picture to make the sound memorable. These can be found at the bottom of this page.

Red words are also taught. These are words that cannot be sounded out and have tricky letters. These words need to be taught to be read on sight.

Our RWI Programme begins in our Nursery where adults and children share a wide variety of books. This allows the children time to explore and use new vocabulary and develop understanding of story book language. The children are then introduced to the pictures that go with each Set 1 sound and finally, the children begin to learn the letter sound correspondences. Children then move through to the reception class where their RWI journey continues. In Reception, children take part in daily RWI ‘Speed Sound’ sessions. In these sessions, children will learn a new sound, read simple words and a take part in writing activities. As children learn and recall new sounds, they are then encouraged to break words down into individual sounds. In Reception, children are also introduced to ‘Ditties’ and appropriate storybooks. Once children become more confident with their reading, they are also introduced to Set 2 sounds towards the end of the Reception year.

In KS1 the children continue their journey, learning set 2 and 3 sounds. They also read alien words to help them prepare for the Phonics Screening Test in Year 1. The children progress through the levels, reading books matched to their reading ability and work on appropriate reading speed and comprehension. A daily speed sound lesson helps the children instantly recognise written sounds (graphemes) as well as read these in real and nonsense (alien) words.

RWI continues into KS2 for any children who need it. This occurs daily as an intervention to support children to quickly learn to read. Fresh Start is taught in Y4 – 6. This follows the same format as RWI with a more mature reading content.

All phonics sessions occur daily and for a minimum of 15 minutes in Early Years a minimum of 45 minutes in KS1 and 20 – 30 mins in KS2.