Phonics

Intent

At St Richard’s we aim to create a love for Reading, Writing and Spelling through a consistent approach of phonics teaching. We want every child to have the skills to decode words in order to be able to read fluently with understanding of what they have read. We want every child to leave the school with the skills of an outstanding reader, writer and speller.

Implementation

In EYFS and KS1, children take part in daily phonics lessons which are progressive and planned to meet the needs of each cohort. Teachers use Little Wandle to support their teaching of phonics – which is linked to Letters and Sounds. Children in EYFS and KS1 will choose their home reading books from resources which are matched to the phonics phases they are currently being taught. Teachers assess children regularly to ensure they are applying their understanding of phonics and remain challenged in their learning. Past phonics screenings are also used to inform planning. In KS2, Phonics interventions take place where required.

Impact

Regardless of background, ability or additional needs, by the time children leave St Richard’s, we hope to have equipped them to be enthusiastic and motivated readers. We want them to be confident and enjoy reading a wide variety of genres and text types; to have the decoding skills in order to be able to read fluently with a secure understanding of what they have read. We also want them to be inspired by literature and read for pleasure.