Pupils in Reception and KS1 are taught using the government approved Read, Write Inc synthetic phonics programme. The children take part in daily sessions covering appropriate aspects of phonics, reading and spelling, which have been planned to meet their particular needs. All staff leading the groups have received extensive training in the delivery of the programme.

How will my child be taught to read?

Read Write Inc. is a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme that starts in Reception. This means that the children learn how to ‘read’ the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down. This is essential for reading, but it also helps children learn to spell well. We teach the children simple ways of remembering these sounds and letters.

The children also practise reading (and spelling) what we call ‘tricky words’, such as ‘once,’ ‘have,’ ‘said’ and ‘where’. Read, Write Inc calls these red words.

The children practise their reading with books that match the phonics and the ‘tricky words’ they know. They start thinking that they can read and this does wonders for their confidence. 

Any child who has not reached the required level in reading by the end of Year 2 will continue their phonics learning in KS2 through one-to-one teaching or small group intervention by a dedicated member of staff. Children in Years 5 and 6 who require additional decoding support will work through the Read Write Inc. Fresh Start programme.

The teachers read to the children too, so the children get to know all sorts of stories, poetry and information books. They learn many more words this way and it also helps their writing.

There are a number of useful videos, guidance documents and resources here and here. These have been created specifically for parents and carers, to help you understand more about Read Write Inc. Phonics and how to help your child at home.