Phonics and Early Reading
Aim
At East Herrington Primary School, our aim is to ensure that every child becomes a confident, fluent and enthusiastic reader. We believe that reading is the key to success across the curriculum and that secure early reading enables children to access learning, develop vocabulary, and enjoy books for pleasure and purpose.
We are committed to teaching early reading through a systematic synthetic phonics approach using Read Write Inc. so that children learn to decode accurately, read fluently and develop strong comprehension skills from the earliest stages of reading.
Intent
Our intent is to provide every child with the knowledge and skills needed to become a successful reader.
Through our early reading curriculum, we intend that children will:
- Learn to decode words quickly and accurately using their phonics knowledge
- Develop secure knowledge of the 44 sounds and corresponding graphemes
- Read with increasing fluency, confidence and expression
- Apply phonics knowledge when reading both decodable books and other texts
- Develop comprehension through discussion, questioning and vocabulary teaching
- Enjoy reading and develop positive attitudes towards books and stories
- Receive timely support and intervention so that no child is left behind
We recognise that reading is central to the curriculum and to life beyond school. Our approach is designed to ensure that all pupils, including those who are at risk of falling behind, are supported to become successful readers.
Implementation
Teaching approach
We teach early reading through Read Write Inc., a carefully sequenced phonics programme that is:
- Systematic
- Cumulative
- Interactive
- Responsive to assessment
Children are taught in groups matched to their reading stage and are reassessed regularly so that teaching remains closely aligned to their needs.
Daily phonics lessons
Children take part in daily Read Write Inc. lessons which include:
- Speed sounds teaching
- Oral blending
- Reading words and sentences
- Reading decodable storybooks
- Developing comprehension through discussion and questioning
- Writing practice linked to the phonics being taught
Assessment and grouping
Children are assessed regularly to monitor progress and identify next steps. Groupings are flexible and change as children progress through the programme. Teachers and teaching assistants use assessment information to ensure that children receive targeted support and appropriate challenge.
Reading books
Children read books that are carefully matched to their phonics stage. This ensures that they can practise and consolidate the sounds they have learned in school. As children become more fluent, they progress through the Read Write Inc. book series and other appropriate reading materials.
Support and intervention
Children who need extra support are identified quickly and receive additional teaching to help them keep up. Where necessary, intervention is put in place for pupils who are not making expected progress.
