Phonics

At Stapeley Broad Lane CE School we have a very clear vision for phonics - to get every child reading and promote a love of reading. We do this by teaching phonics daily. This programme is specifically targeted at our Reception and Year 1 children.

Our systematic synthetic phonics programme is Little Wandle Letters and Sounds.

All staff are trained in this programme and receive ongoing coaching from our Early Reading lead, Mrs Morris. This model enables all adults to become highly skilled, expert reading teachers that continue to develop their practice. All planning, environments and strategies are completely consistent across the team.

Children are taught a minimum of four sounds a week and apply this within word reading and spelling. Children are assessed every half-term. The lowest 20% receive daily, systematic interventions by trained staff. This aims to ensure these children make accelerated progress and no child is left behind. Children receive daily decodable reading sessions in small targeted groups to ensure they are continually applying their phonological understanding. They then take these books home to develop their fluency and confidence.

It is really important that pupils in Reception and Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2) have a strong phonics programme. Little Wandle is also linked with decodable reading books. This ensures children are only reading words they can phonetically decode. The books are stored centrally and are given to pupils by their teachers. These are mapped out systematically each half term so that children are reading books aligned to the phonics progression. The books found in classroom book corners are not banded but are for interest/pleasure and use by the teachers for storytime. Children can also take these home where a parent or guardian can enjoy reading aloud to them. This is a fundamental aspect of developing their engagement and early attitude to reading.

If you have any questions about class phonic sessions or how you can help your child at home see their teacher.