Early Reading and phonics

Intent

At Waterwells Primary Academy, we believe that learning to read is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child. Reading unlocks the whole curriculum, inspires curiosity and imagination, and gives children the confidence to become independent, lifelong learners.

We teach early reading through the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics Programme. From the very beginning of Reception, children receive daily, systematic phonics teaching that enables them to decode with confidence, while developing a rich vocabulary, strong language skills and a genuine love of reading.

Alongside phonics, we immerse children in high-quality stories, poetry, rhymes and non-fiction every day. We believe that hearing, sharing and discussing wonderful books is just as important as learning to decode words. Through rich reading experiences, children develop language, deepen their understanding of the world and begin to see themselves as readers who enjoy books throughout their lives.

Our ambition is that every child leaves Key Stage 1 as a fluent, confident reader who is well prepared to access the wider curriculum and continues to read for both pleasure and purpose.

Implementation

Children begin learning phonics within the first weeks of Reception through daily Read Write Inc. lessons. Teaching follows a carefully planned progression, enabling children to learn the letter sounds, blend and segment sounds for reading (Fred Talk). Learning is revisited daily so that knowledge becomes secure and automatic.

The Read Write Inc. programme is delivered with fidelity, ensuring consistent routines, language and high expectations across the school. Children are taught in groups matched to their current stage of reading development and are regularly assessed so that teaching remains closely aligned to their needs. Those requiring additional support receive one-to-one or small-group tutoring.

Children read fully decodable books that are carefully matched to the sounds they have been taught. Re-reading familiar texts helps children develop accuracy, fluency and expression (which we call their story teller voice), giving them the confidence to read with increasing independence.

At Waterwells, reading is celebrated every day. Teachers share carefully selected, high-quality fiction, non-fiction, poetry and traditional tales to develop children's vocabulary, language comprehension and understanding of the wider world. Through storytelling, discussion and shared reading, children learn to think deeply about books, talk confidently about what they have read and develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading.

As children's phonic knowledge develops, they apply these skills through meaningful writing opportunities across the curriculum. Our aim is for children to complete the Read Write Inc. programme by the end of Spring Term in Year 2. Children who require additional support continue to receive targeted teaching and intervention, including support following the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, where appropriate.

Key Stage 2

We are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a fluent, confident reader. Any pupils who have not yet completed the Read Write Inc. programme by the end of Key Stage 1 continue to receive targeted Read Write Inc. teaching or Tutoring in Key Stage 2. Teaching is carefully matched to individual needs, enabling children to secure their phonics knowledge, improve reading fluency and confidence, and successfully access the wider curriculum.

Impact

Our approach ensures that children develop the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm to become successful readers.

Children at Waterwells:

• read accurately, fluently and with increasing expression

• develop secure decoding and spelling skills

• understand and discuss a wide range of high-quality texts

• use increasingly ambitious vocabulary in their speaking and writing

• achieve well in the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

• enjoy sharing books, stories and poetry

• leave Key Stage 1 as confident readers, ready to access the wider curriculum and continue reading for pleasure throughout their lives.

Progress is monitored through regular Read Write Inc. assessments, pupil progress meetings and ongoing coaching by the Reading Leader, ensuring every child receives the support they need to flourish.

Working in Partnership with Families

We know that children make the greatest progress when school and home work together. Parents and carers are valued partners in developing early reading and are supported through information sessions, newsletters and online resources. Children take home fully decodable books that closely match the sounds they have been taught, enabling them to practise successfully and celebrate their growing confidence as readers.

Our Commitment

At Waterwells, every member of staff shares responsibility for developing confident readers. Teachers and teaching assistants receive regular Read Write Inc. training, coaching and professional development to ensure the programme is delivered consistently and with fidelity. Led by our Reading Leader, we continually review teaching, assessment and pupil progress so that every child receives the highest quality early reading provision and develops the skills and confidence to become a lifelong reader.

How to say the sounds https://schools.ruthmiskin.com/training/view/jNL7KgD5/wGE5mDpA