Intent

The phonics programme we use at HWCE offers a coherently planned sequence of lessons that supports the effective teaching of phonics within EYFS, KS1 and, where appropriate, KS2.

In phonics we learn about the sounds that make up words in the English language and letters that are used to spell them. We do this by following the ‘Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised’ programme which is a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme developed for schools by schools. Based on the original Government Letters and Sounds, but extensively revised to provide a complete teaching programme meeting all the expectations of the National Curriculum and preparing children to go beyond the Phonics Screening Check.

Little Wandle is a fully resourced scheme with a clear progression through the phases, matched with fully decodable books.

EYFS

In Reception, children progress through Phases 2-4. Here learners are introduced to phonemes/sounds and graphemes/letters systematically. They also learn to develop and apply blending and segmenting skills for reading and writing.

KS1

In Year 1, children will recap Phase 3 and 4 before moving onto Phase 5. In the Summer Term, the children will focus on elements of Phonics that are relevant to the Phonics Screening Check.

These sets of coherently planned lesson sequences provide opportunities for children to apply their phonics knowledge and skills as the prime approach to reading and spelling. It focuses on phonetically decodable two-syllable and three-syllable words and the alternative ways of pronouncing and representing the long vowel phonemes. Furthermore, children will develop their ability to attempt to read and spell increasingly complex words. Children while also developing a breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding in the recognition and spelling of common exception words.

By Year 2, most children will be secure in the phonic knowledge up to Phase 5. Lessons in Year 2 explore spelling patterns and grammar, using the ‘Herts For Learning Essential Spelling in Year 2’ scheme.

Our phonics programme intends to not only provide children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding essential for reading and writing, but also, to develop each child’s independence, confidence, resilience and engagement in phonics lessons as well as a love for reading and writing across the curriculum.

KS2

If needed, KS2 pupils will have Catch Up interventions to fill the gaps in their knowledge, with a focus on fluent reading.

Implementation

Our Phonics Progression of Skills document sets out the clear expectations for pupil’s progress within the programme. Our robust assessment, tracking and monitoring allows head teachers, senior leaders, teachers and practitioners to track pupil’s progress. It provides opportunities for data analysis and encourages discussions around pupil progress, group progress, future learning and misconceptions, thus enabling our skilled staff to respond and adapt teaching within the programme to provide additional support and challenge to pupils.

The Little Wandle approved materials used to deliver the phonics programme ensure a clear and consistent structure to the teaching of phonics. The direct teacher-led lessons enable all learners to develop and apply new skills while also providing opportunities to further apply these skills within fun and engaging activities and through continuous provision (in EYFS). They also offer opportunities to challenge learners and provide support to teachers and parents.

Teacher plans for each stage are provided to allow teachers and adults working with children to feel confident in their own subject knowledge, knowing they are fulfilling the national phonics criteria and enabling each child to achieve their potential.

The teaching of phonics will also be supported by weekly Guided Reading sessions, closely matched to the children’s phonic knowledge, to engaged them in a variety of texts. The sessions are aimed at developing decoding, prosody and comprehension skills.

Impact

The impact of using our phonics programme as the basis of our phonics teaching within EYFS and KS1, will be for children to develop their phonics skills and knowledge through a systematic, synthetic approach, while covering the statutory requirements outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum.  This will be monitored through lessons plans and resources, displays, assessment analysis, pupil engagement and parental feedback.

Following the programme will give us a consistent approach to phonics, which is clear to teaching staff and learners. In addition, parents will also be well informed and engaged through the use of the parent guidance sheets and workshops.

Our programme will prepare children well for the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check and furthermore, due to the enjoyment and motivation that the programme provides, children will be enthusiastic and confident readers and writers across the curriculum.