Phonics

We use the Read Write Inc. Phonics Programme

To participate confidently in public, cultural and working life, pupils need to be able to speak, read and write standard English fluently and accurately. At Thatto Heath Community Primary School we appreciate that reading and writing are the foundations upon which all future learning is based, and that systematic synthetic phonics is the cornerstone upon which reading and writing are built. We are dedicated and determined that all children can and will learn to read with accuracy, fluency and pace.

Through delivery of the Read Write Inc. systematic synthetic phonics programme, children learn a simple alphabetic code followed later by a more complex code. Children learn the 44 common sounds in the English language and how to blend them to read and spell. The use of pictures and memorable phrases is used to aid children’s retention and recall of phonemes for reading and spelling. Children are given ample opportunities to orally explore characters’ action, thoughts and feelings and to rehearse their writing. All reading books progress cumulatively and are matched directly to the sounds that children know.

RWI sessions occur each day with no exceptions, as the continuity and pace of the programme is key to accelerating the progress of children’s reading development. All school staff from EYFS to Y6 have received training on the RWI programme to ensure that daily provision is consistent and uninterrupted. Children are monitored continuously and assessed at regular intervals in order that knowledge is embedded whilst making timely progress with new learning.