Learning to Read

Our Phonics Teaching Approach

Read Write Inc

In our School, phonics is taught across EYFS (Reception) and KS1 (Y1&2) as well as in interventions across KS2 (Y3-6).  We do this using the Read Write Inc programme.  This is a structured and systematic approach to teaching reading.  

According to the DFE (Department for Education), "almost all children who receive good teaching of phonics, will learn the skills they need to tackle new words."  They can then go on to read any kind of text fluently and confidently and most importantly to read for pleasure.

Our children begin their reading journey as soon as they join us in reception and we have a meeting for parents within the first few weeks to introduce the programme and answer any questions.

Please click on the links below for further information or speak to Miss Hope who is our reading leader.

Phonics Screening Check

Children are assessed throughout the programme but are formally assessed in Year 1 through the phonics screening check in June.  The check is designed to confirm whether individual children have learned sufficient phonic decoding and blending skills to an appropriate standard.  The test consists of 40 words; 20 real words and 20 pseudo words (nonsense words / "alien" words).  The children read these 1:1 with their teacher who has received training and who the children are familiar with.  The results of this are reported to the parents in the "End of Year Report" in the summer term.

Parent Films

Visit the Ruth Miskin website, using the link below, to view a range of parent films detailing how we teach children to read and write with Read, Write Inc Phonics. 

Oxford Owl

Many useful resources, such as free access to e-books, printable Speed Sound practice sheets and video tutorials, can be found on the Oxford Owl website.

Phonics Kits & Flashcards

Resources available to buy and use at home.

Speed Sounds

The letter or pair/trio of letters that represent a sound is called a 'Speed Sound'. Virtual Classroom links are posted onto your child's Seesaw account to support with practising these sounds at home. 

The following slideshows contain all the sounds we learn.

If you are unsure which 'Set' your child is currently learning, please just ask.

Speedy Green Words Slideshows

Being able to read fluently means children are then able to focus their attention on understanding the text. The following online slideshows will help your child build reading speed. Please select the slideshow that matches your child's reading book colour.

Parent Guidance

Set 1 Speed Sounds slideshow information

Set 2 Speed Sounds slideshow information

Set 3 Speed Sounds slideshow information

Speedy Green Words information

Set 1 Sounds parent Information

Set 2 & 3 Sounds parent Information

Guidance on playing 'Fred games' at home

Ditty Sheets (to be used when your child can read all the Set 1 Speed Sounds and can sound blend)

Simple Speed Sounds Chart (Red, Green, Purple, Pink groups)

Complex Speed Sounds Chart (Pink, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Grey groups)