The validated phonics programme we have chosen to adopt is Read Write Inc. (RWI).

Intent

We aim to enable our pupils to:

• Apply the skill of blending phonemes in order to read words.
• Segment words into their constituent phonemes in order to spell words.
• Learn that blending and segmenting words are reversible processes.
• Read high frequency words that do not conform to regular phonic patterns.
• Read texts and words that are within their phonic capabilities as early as possible.
• Decode texts effortlessly so all resources can be used to comprehend what is read.
• Spell effortlessly so all resources can be directed towards composing writing.

Implementation

The RWI programme is delivered to all pupils in EYFS to Year 3 who are learning to read. Any pupils in Years 3 and 4 who need to catch up rapidly will receive RWI intervention. Years 5 and 6 pupils who are not reading fluently or struggling to read familiar words will follow Read Write Inc. Fresh Start programme.

EYFS

Pupils in Nursery follow Letters and Sounds Phase 1 – listening for and distinguishing sounds in the environment. Initial letter sounds are introduced in the Summer Term for those pupils that are ready. Adults use ‘Fred Talk’ daily (saying words using pure sounds) with the pupils, with the expectation that the pupils will begin to orally blend and segment the words.

In Reception, daily RWI phonics lessons are taught. During the first half term, the initial sounds (Set 1 Speed Sounds) are taught in class groups. After this period, pupils are individually assessed and grouped homogeneously according to their stage. Pupils receive daily phonics teaching in these groups using the structured speed sounds lesson plan. It is our aim that all pupils leave Reception at green RWI band to be on track to achieve the expected standard for the Year 1 phonics screening check.

Key Stage 1

Pupils in Key Stage 1 continue to be taught phonics in small homogeneous groups, depending on their stage, not age. They have a daily RWI lessons lasting 45 minutes. This lesson starts with a 10 minute speed sounds lesson which teaches a new sound, revision of previous speed sounds, oral blending, decoding words and reading common exception words. Pupils then read and comprehend a book which is carefully matched to their phonic knowledge and follows a 3 day plan.

In Year 1, pupils will also receive an extra 25 minute phonics session in the afternoon focusing on a specific sound in order to hear this sound in words and write these words in sentences.

Key Stage 2

By the time pupils complete the transition from KS1 to KS2, we intend that they will have completed the RWI phonics programme. Their phonic development will continue to be explicitly taught through the school’s spelling programme. Those pupils who have not reached the expected level by the time they leave KS1 will continue to access the RWI programme and receive additional targeted intervention to ensure they catch up with their peers.

A small number of pupils may reach upper KS2 and continue to require support for reading. These pupils will be assessed and complete a more age-appropriate phonics and reading programme called ‘Fresh Start’ which, like RWI, will teach the pupils the reading and comprehension skills required at this development stage in a more age-appropriate way, using anthology texts rather than story books.

Impact

Our systematic phonics sessions mean children have strong foundations to build on once they start in Reception. Phonic sessions are rigorous and frequent in order to give our pupils the best opportunity to learn to read. Our pupils access fun and challenging phonic sessions which lead to proud successful readers.