Phonics and Spelling
Early reading in EYFS and KS1 is taught using the Read Write Inc. phonics programme and weekly 1:1 reading sessions. 1:1 tuition and more regular reading is arranged for children who are reading below the expected level or struggling to make progress. All children take home a RWI reading book at the appropriate level as well as a reading book from the library of their own choice. Phonics lessons are also made available online as part of the children’s homework. All children are carefully assessed on a half-termly basis (more regularly if needed) and grouped accordingly. Whole class story time takes place at least daily and is carefully planned to ensure that the children are enjoying a variety of high-quality texts.
- What is Read Write Inc Phonics?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbWIujM1WGM
- Understanding Phonics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_6Jb0-3qz8
- How to say the sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yln6PpV1G1I
Phonics Screening Check
This year, Year One will be taking the Phonics Screening Check in June 2026. Any children in Year Two who did not pass the Check last year will also retake the Check in June.
What is the Phonics Screening Check?
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The check is for children in Year 1 (usually age 5–6) — or for any child who turns 6 by the end of the school year.
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Its purpose is to make sure children have learned to use phonics to read, to an age-appropriate standard.
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“Phonics” means teaching children how to:
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recognise the sounds each letter makes,
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recognise sounds that letter combinations make (like “sh” or “oo”),
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blend those sounds together (from left to right) to form and read words.
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What the check involves
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The test has 40 words, in two sections of 20 words each.
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Those 40 words are a mix of:
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Real words (words your child might know), and
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Pseudo-words: made-up but phonetically decodable words.
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Pseudo-words appear with a picture of a little imaginary creature — so children know it’s a “nonsense but phonics-only” word.
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The reason for pseudo-words is that they test whether the child can use decoding skills (not just recognise familiar words).
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The school uses the check to see whether a child is on track with reading. If not, it helps them know who may need extra help.
What you can do as a parent to help
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If your child struggles with a word, encourage “sounding out” — blending the sounds rather than guessing from pictures.
What happens after the check — how results are used
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Teachers use the results to see which children have mastered phonics and which might need extra help.
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The overall results are not publicly published at school-level.
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You (the parent) will receive feedback on your child’s score. This will be in your child's annual school report.
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If your child doesn’t meet the expected standard in Year 1, they will retake the check in Year 2
Reading with your child.
All children will take home two books.
READ TO ME BOOK
One book will be a Read Write Inc Phonics book, which the children should read aloud to you everyday. They will already have practiced reading this book at school with their Phonics teacher. It is important that they read the book many times to build speed, confidence and understanding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07DruIKFsKw&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c&index=7
READ FOR PLEASURE BOOK
The other book will be a book that the children have chosen from the library or class book corner. This book may be a little tricky for them to read to you so please read this book to them. Hearing you read aloud will help your child to develop a love of reading, understand new words and phrases and to read with expression.
Why read to my child?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UmwXQwx5gk&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c&index=8
10 things to think about when reading with your child.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqhwJhd_fNM&list=PLDe74j1F52zSCiOMSn3zQDSzgu9TrbQ1c&index=9