Phonics
Intent
We aim to create a love of reading, writing, and spelling through our rigorous, consistent and enthusiastic approach to the teaching of phonics. Teachers and other adults have sufficient expertise and training in the teaching of phonics and reading, as well as a clear understanding of how children learn to read. We aspire that every child leaves our school with the skills of a competent reader, writer, and speller.
Implementation
At The Beeches Primary School, we follow the Little Wandle Revised Letters and Sounds programme.
Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised has been developed by Wandle and Little Sutton English Hubs and taken forward by Little Sutton Primary School and Wandle Learning Trust in partnership with other phonics and early reading experts.
This synthetic (words made up of sounds) phonics programme has been built around the updated Letters and Sounds improving rates of progress in 2021. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised also draws on the latest research into how children learn best; how to ensure learning stays in children’s long-term memory and how best to enable children to apply their learning to become highly competent readers.
At The Beeches Primary School, children receive phonics twice a day. In addition to this, there is daily catchup for those that need to make rapid progress. All staff are fully trained, so children can subdivide within groups receiving specialist support.
Phonics knowledge is extremely important in enabling young children to learn to read. Please support your child at home with reading and using the phonics packs that have been sent home
You can find more information on the Little Wandle website parent section here;
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
Supporting your child with reading
Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a huge impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.
There are two types of reading books that your child may bring home:
A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonic stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
A sharing book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.
Reading practice book
This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.
Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.
Leaders
Miss McFarland and Mrs Fowler