Phonics
Phonics Statement of Intent
At Stanton Community Primary School, we value reading and writing as a key life skills and are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers and writers. It is important to remember that these are skills that are not only used in the subject of English but are also essential if children are to successfully access the rest of the curriculum.
We teach a DfE validated systematic and synthetic phonics daily throughout the EYFS and Key Stage 1 which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school. We also model the application of the alphabetic code through phonics in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside of the phonics lesson and across the curriculum. We have a strong focus on language development for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects.
Whilst children are developing their independent reading skills their reading books are closely matched to their phonics knowledge with a focus on decoding, fluency, expression and comprehension. There is also the expectation that these are read at home too to further develop and embed skills learnt in reading sessions.
The importance of these early reading and writing skills cannot be overlooked as they so greatly affect a child’s learning in most other areas of the curriculum and will do throughout their schooling and future careers. Consequently, it is our intent that all staff are well trained to teach phonics as it is so important to the future successes of our children. Furthermore we recognise that the need for phonics instruction does not necessarily stop upon entering Key Stage 2 and we provide Rapid Catch-up programme for children who may need it.
Little Wandle is our phonics programme and every member of staff in our school has been trained to teach reading, so we have the same expectations of progress. We all use the same language, routines and resources to teach children to read so that we lower children’s cognitive load. The Reading and Phonics Leaders regularly monitor and observe teaching; they also use the regular assessment data to identify children who need additional support and gaps in learning.
Historically the percentage of our children passing the Phonics Screening Check has been in line with the national average. It is our intent to maintain this standard and to strive towards exceeding it. That said at Stanton Community Primary School we pride ourselves on celebrating progress from a child’s starting point.
We also know that 'Reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s success.’ (OECD 2002). We value reading for pleasure highly and work hard as a school to give children and families opportunities to immerse themselves in a wide range of books, including books that reflect the children at School and our local community as well as books that open windows into other worlds and cultures. Our large, well stocked library is at the heart of our school; children and parents are able to visit the library regularly; we read to the children daily; and every classroom has an inviting book corner that encourages a love for reading.
Children Learning Phonics
Children Recording Phonics
Coming soon
Home Learning
Don't panic! Phonics is new to many parents and you may find it quite different to how you yourself learnt to read and write. At Stanton Community Primary we are here to help, your child's class teacher is your first source of information, as is your child! As Phonics Leader, Mrs Smith, is always happy to help build your confidence in this area, just let her know what you need help with!
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 book that your child may bring home:
A reading practice book as an eBook. 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.
Sharing book
In order to encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, it is important that they learn to read for pleasure. The sharing book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.
Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!
Please click on the useful link below to find out:
- Which sounds are taught each term in Reception and year 1
- Children explaining how to pronounce the sounds
- Parent guides on how we teach Tricky words, Blending (how sounds are blended together to make words) and Alien words,
- Parents guide on how we teach Phase 5 sounds. These are alternate spellings of sounds the children already know
- Supporting your child with reading at home
https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
