Reading & phonics

Teachers create a positive reading culture in school, so that it is enjoyed by all pupils. Pupils in EYFS and KS1 have daily phonics sessions, following a systematic synthetic phonics programme. We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds as our validated phonics scheme.

There is a combination of a whole class and carousel guided reading sessions in KS1 and whole class guided reading sessions in KS2 where reading comprehension skills are explicitly taught, practised and consolidated for mastery. Texts are often chosen to increase the children’s knowledge and understanding of the topics being taught in History, Geography and Science.

We use book banded reading books that include fiction, non-fiction and poetry titles to ensure books are at the appropriate level for children so they can develop and practise their reading skills.

Children are encouraged to read independently and regularly to grow their enjoyment in reading whilst also developing their vocabulary through the texts they read and have had read to them. We maximise opportunities for pupils to read across the curriculum. Teachers read regularly to their class as part of a non-negotiable story time session..

Phonics

Reading and spelling walk hand in hand together; segmenting and blending are inverse operations. Therefore, we use the Little Wandle phonics programme to teach both throughout the school.

The children are taught to both read and spell through explicit teaching and practice of a variety of skills and concepts:

Skills

• Blending

• Segmenting

• Phonic Manipulation

Concepts

• letters are symbols that represent sounds

• sounds can be spelled using 1,2 3 or 4 letters

• the same sound can be spelled in more than one way (rain, break, gate, stay)

• many spellings can represent more than one sound (head, seat, break)

Phonics and Early Reading Presentation:

 

‘Pupil Safety and Trust: Pupils say they feel safe and that they trust adults to help them.’

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‘Cultural Understanding: Pupils are taught to recognise and respect different cultures and religions in wider society… They understand the broader make-up of the community and society that they are a part of.’

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‘Governance and Leadership: Governors understand their roles. They assure themselves that what leaders tell them is reflected in the reality of pupils’ experiences. They offer support and challenge to leaders.’

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‘Curriculum:
This work is beginning to give pupils opportunities to build more knowledge over time. For example, Year 2 pupils talk confidently about their learning about The Great Fire of London from Year 1, and how this connects to current learning in history.’

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‘Extracurricular Activities and Cultural Awareness: Pupils participate in a wide range of activities beyond the classroom, such as residential experiences. They are also taught to respect different cultures and religions, helping them understand and reject prejudice and discrimination.’

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‘Inclusive Support for SEND Pupils: The school provides tailored support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), particularly through its “The Bridge” provision. Pupils with complex needs are encouraged to manage their emotions, which positively impacts their learning.’

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‘Positive Behavior and Role Models: Older pupils act as role models for younger ones, helping them with manners and routines. The school maintains a calm and orderly environment, contributing to a feeling of safety for the pupils.’

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‘Role Models:
Older pupils enjoy role-modelling good manners and routines to children in Reception during lunchtime.’

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‘Phonics and Reading: Pupils enjoy reading and being read to. The phonics curriculum begins early in Reception, and staff receive regular training to deliver it effectively. There is a strong reading culture, especially in the early years.’

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‘Support for SEND Pupils: Pupils with complex special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who access ‘The Bridge’ are given bespoke support to help them in their learning.’

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‘Governance and Leadership: The school’s governors are well-informed, offering both support and challenge to leaders. They are also conscious of staff well-being, contributing to a positive working environment for staff.’

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‘Curriculum Development: The curriculum has been developed to help pupils build knowledge over time. There is evidence of students connecting previous learning to current lessons, indicating a well-structured curriculum.’

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‘Behavior Management: Adults manage behaviour in a consistent way. Pupils say that adults are fair. Leaders have ensured that there are clear routines that pupils follow around school.’

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‘Enthusiasm for Learning: Pupils are enthusiastic about their learning. They begin their work enthusiastically and present their work with pride.’

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‘Engaged Learners: Pupils are enthusiastic about learning, show pride in their work, and consistently follow the clear routines set by the school. This contributes to a positive learning environment.’

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‘Caring and Respectful Environment: The school fosters a culture of respect and kindness. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm, and there is a strong sense of community and family within the school. Pupils feel safe and trust the adults to support them.’

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‘Safeguarding: The school has effective safeguarding arrangements, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils.’

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‘School Environment:
This is a school that is built upon respect and kindness. Relationships between adults and pupils are warm and caring. A sense of family and community runs through the school.’

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