Phonics
Curriculum intent
At Park Primary, we use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme to ensure that all children develop the essential early reading and writing skills needed for future success. Our intent is to provide a systematic, structured and engaging approach to phonics that enables pupils to become confident, fluent readers and effective communicators. Through daily phonics lessons, children learn to recognise sounds, blend for reading, segment for spelling and develop a secure understanding of the alphabetic code. We aim to foster a love of reading by exposing pupils to carefully matched texts that build confidence, fluency and comprehension. The programme supports all learners through targeted teaching, regular assessment and timely intervention, ensuring that every child can make strong progress from their individual starting points. By developing accurate decoding skills alongside language comprehension, we equip pupils with the foundations necessary to access the wider curriculum and become lifelong readers and learners.
What does learning look like at our school?
At Park Primary, Read Write Inc. is delivered through daily, fast-paced phonics lessons that provide all children with the knowledge and skills needed to become successful readers and writers. Lessons are carefully structured and follow a consistent approach, enabling pupils to develop confidence, fluency and accuracy in their reading and spelling. Children are taught in groups that are closely matched to their current phonics knowledge, ensuring that teaching is targeted and responsive to individual needs.
During lessons, pupils learn new sounds, practise blending sounds to read words, segment words for spelling and develop their fluency through repeated reading of carefully matched texts. Teachers use clear modelling, partner work and regular opportunities for children to apply their learning. Assessment is ongoing and informs groupings and interventions, ensuring that any child who requires additional support receives it promptly.
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Children regularly read books that are closely matched to their phonics ability, allowing them to experience success and build confidence. Alongside decoding skills, pupils develop vocabulary, comprehension and a love of reading through engaging stories and discussions. This consistent and rigorous approach ensures that every child is supported to achieve their full potential as a reader and writer.
How can families support at home?
Families play a vital role in supporting their child’s phonics development and fostering a positive attitude towards reading. Regular practice at home helps children consolidate the sounds, words and reading strategies they learn in school through the Read Write Inc. programme. Parents and carers can support by listening to their child read daily, encouraging them to use their phonics knowledge to sound out unfamiliar words and praising their efforts and achievements.
Reading together regularly helps to build confidence, fluency and comprehension. Families are encouraged to discuss stories, ask questions about characters and events, and introduce new vocabulary through conversations and shared reading experiences. Revisiting the sounds and word cards sent home by school can also help children develop automatic recognition of phonemes and common exception words.
Creating a language-rich environment is equally important. Singing nursery rhymes, sharing stories, playing word games and encouraging children to talk about their experiences all contribute to developing strong communication skills. Establishing a consistent reading routine and demonstrating that reading is enjoyable can nurture a lifelong love of books. By working in partnership with the school, families can make a significant contribution to their child’s success as a confident reader, writer and learner.