Phonics & Early Reading Intent Statement
Our curriculum begins the moment children are welcomed into our school and is formed from all the carefully considered decisions that shape our learners’ experiences. Our aim is to prepare children for their futures, enabling them to use their God-given talents to achieve their full potential. In doing so, they are supported to live out our virtues and make the most of every opportunity so that they are well prepared for life in an ever-changing world. We foster self-belief, courage and ambition in our pupils through our mission:
Growing in God’s Love
Systematic Synthetic Phonics
We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme to teach children to read and write. It provides a clear, structured approach that builds strong phonics knowledge and supports all pupils to become confident, fluent readers.
Resources
Children benefit from engaging Big Cat Phonics reading books to take home, along with a wide range of exciting texts in classroom reading areas. Our teaching is supported by high-quality resources including phonics flashcards, Grow the Code wall posters and table-top prompts used throughout school.
Home–School Links
We work closely with families to support reading at school and at home. We offer parent information meetings, reading sessions and opportunities to observe phonics lessons. Families receive flashcards and high-quality reading books weekly to support learning at home.
Early Reading Achievements
Children succeed through their phonics lessons, supported by praise and merits. They develop pride and confidence as they begin to read with increasing fluency and enjoyment.
Collaboration
Across our Academy Trust, Early Reading Leaders meet regularly for shared development. Pupils also collaborate with peers during weekly Reading Buddies sessions, promoting a love of reading.
As a school we will:
- Build a love of reading for all pupils, using a broad range of texts, interactive programmes and visual imagery. Scaffolded approaches and Model Texts are used to support and engage learners.
- Show our high expectations for all pupils through an ambitious and inclusive curriculum, providing support and intervention where needed.
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum for every child, ensuring learning is correctly and progressively sequenced so that expectations are taught and consolidated to enable steady progress.
- Use creative learning opportunities wherever possible so that children can learn actively and in imaginative ways, embedding prior knowledge and exploring new ideas using model texts, varied genres, drama, art and videography.
- Ensure opportunities for links and connections to be made through their reading, writing and spelling systems.
- Give children a strong desire for learning and the confidence to use their unique talents to contribute to society as respectful and active citizens.
- Build resilience and courage as we prepare them for a modern world in which they can adapt, flourish and thrive.