Phonics

Phonics at EBPS is taught through the Read Write Inc programme. This is a systematic approach to the learning of letter sounds and using these in reading and writing. It is designed to enable all children to learn to read accurately, fluently and confidently as well as developing a love of reading.

Phonics is timetabled daily across Reception and Key Stage 1 using the Read Write Inc program. Children are assessed every six weeks (or in between as necessary) to ensure homogenous groupings. These groups are kept small to ensure every child is supported and challenged appropriately.

Children are closely monitored to quickly identify those not making the expected level of progress and placed in a 1:1 tutoring program using the RWI Fast Track intervention.

Children’s sound knowledge is assessed and recorded regularly with Reception and Year 1 using ‘pinny time’ to fill the gaps and rehearse application in real and nonsense words.

The impact of our phonics teaching will be all children making good progress on their journey to becoming a fluent reader.

By the end of Year 1, children will know all the phonic sounds and be apply these in real and nonsense words. This will be shown in the Phonics Screening Check.

By the end of Key Stage 1, when reading, children will be increasingly fluent and have the phonic knowledge to approach unfamiliar words. Fluency will be at a sufficient level to maintain understanding and answer questions about their reading

Phonics

Michelle Gould

At EBPS we use the Read Write Inc program, for children starting their reading journey in Reception, through to Year 2.

Children are regularly assessed, developing through the colour levels where each level builds upon those already completed.

Children will take home the colour level book they have been working on in school and the matching book bag book weekly. In addition, they can select a book from the matching colour home reading boxes. These books are designed to read with a grown up and provide an element of challenge. All children also have a weekly opportunity to explore the school library and select a book they are interested in to share at home.

Phonics is taught every day in carefully assessed, differentiated groups for between 20 – 40 minutes, depending on the groups.

Assessments are completed by the reading leader and head teacher every 6 weeks to track attainment and progress. These assessments determine future groups and intervention requirements.

Adults leading groups can identify children for early assessment if they are struggling or making accelerated progress to ensure that they are always in the correct group to receive the support and challenge needed.