Phonics

At Barnston Primary, our aim is for every child to become a confident, fluent reader and writer. We believe a strong foundation in phonics is essential to enable children to access a wide range of texts, develop their imagination, and build a lifelong love of reading and writing.

Phonics is taught through a systematic and structured approach using Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. This programme helps children understand how letters represent sounds and how these sounds blend to form words, supporting accurate decoding and confident writing.

Teaching Phonics

F1(Nursery)
We work closely with our onsite nursery to ensure consistency by following the Foundations for Phonics guidance from Little Wandle. Daily oral blending, language development, stories, and rhymes are prioritised.

F2 (Reception) and Year 1
Phonics is taught daily, with weekly review sessions. In F2, lessons begin in week three and gradually increase in length and complexity. By the end of F2, children complete Phase 4, and by the end of Year 1, they complete Phase 5.

Year 2
Children who require additional support continue to receive daily phonics sessions, focused on specific gaps identified through assessment.

Years 2–6
Targeted catch-up sessions are provided where needed. These follow the Little Wandle model to ensure consistency and effectiveness.

Reading and Assessment

Children apply their phonics knowledge through regular reading sessions using fully decodable books. They read at least three times a week in small groups and take home both a levelled reading book and a reading-for-pleasure book.

Progress is monitored through regular formative assessments, with summative assessments completed at the end of each half term using the Little Wandle tracker. All Year 1 pupils take part in the Phonics Screening Check, with re-assessment in Year 2 where required. Assessment outcomes inform targeted support.