Primary - Phonics

Intent 

At Academy 360, we strive for every child to be a successful, fluent reader by the end of Key Stage 2. We recognise that early reading is the foundation for all learning and therefore place a strong emphasis on the systematic teaching of phonics. We use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and for those children who require continued phonics teaching in Key Stage 2. RWI is designed to teach children how to decode letters into sounds, enabling them to read unfamiliar words independently. Children are taught clear and consistent letter–sound correspondences, allowing them to make strong links between unfamiliar printed words and their spoken language. Through RWI, children learn the English alphabetic code: initially learning one way to read the 40+ sounds and blend them into words, before progressing to reading the same sounds using alternative graphemes. Our children experience success from the very beginning, as phonics books are closely matched to their developing phonics knowledge and understanding of ‘tricky’ words. Regular re-reading of these texts builds confidence, accuracy, and fluency. Alongside engaging introductions, opportunities for discussion and prompts for thinking aloud, children are supported to read with expression and a storyteller’s voice, fostering both enjoyment and comprehension. 

Skills builder links: 

Speaking and Listening skills by articulating sounds clearly, participating in partner work and responding to questions using full sentences. 

Problem Solving is developed as children apply their phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words and identify alternative graphemes within the English alphabetic code. 

Staying Positive and Aiming High are fostered as children experience early success through well-matched texts and clear progression, building confidence and resilience. 

Teamwork and Leadership is promoted, as children support one another through partner reading and feedback 

Creativity and Presentation skills, enabling children to read with fluency, confidence and a storyteller’s voice. 

Implementation 

Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics is taught daily in EYFS and Key Stage 1, and in Key Stage 2 where needed. Children are grouped by ability using regular assessments to ensure teaching is closely matched to their needs. Lessons follow a consistent structure, teaching letter–sound correspondences, blending and segmenting, and applying these skills through reading and writing. Phonics books are carefully matched to children’s knowledge, supporting fluency, confidence and enjoyment in reading. Ongoing assessment ensures strong progress and timely support for all pupils. 

Impact 

The programme follows a clear progression: children first learn one way to read the 40+ sounds, then explore alternative graphemes, with carefully matched books supporting their growing knowledge and fluency. Half termly assessments, alongside ongoing formative checks, allow teachers to monitor progress, adjust groupings, and provide targeted support, ensuring every child achieves their full potential. 

Inclusion 

Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics supports all children to become confident readers. Lessons are carefully matched to each child’s ability, with small group teaching and targeted support for those with additional needs, including SEND and EAL. Structured routines, clear language, and carefully chosen reading books help every child experience success, build confidence, and make strong progress. 

Parental Support and Expectations 

Reading daily with your children fosters a love of learning and helps build essential language skills. It encourages curiosity, strengthens bonds, and creates a routine that nurtures cognitive development. By setting aside time each day for reading, you set the foundation for academic success, emotional connection, and a lifelong passion for books. 

Children are expected to read daily at home. Children bringing home a familiar text and a new text pitched to their level supports both fluency and comprehension development. The familiar text allows them to practice reading with confidence, reinforcing vocabulary and sentence structures they have already encountered. The new, levelled text introduces fresh vocabulary and concepts, helping to expand their language skills and cognitive abilities. Additionally, access to a wide range of library books encourages exploration and fosters a love for reading, offering opportunities for children to engage with stories and information that align with their interests while involving parents in the process. This approach supports balanced growth in literacy, creativity, and parent-child engagement. With your continued support, we will remain in line with the national average.  

Please use the following link to support your child: 

10 things to think about when you read to your child -  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqhwJhd_fNM 

Key Terms and Phrases 

Phoneme– a single unit of sound 

• Grapheme – How a sound is written using letters (e.g. ‘u’ in ‘book’ is written using ‘oo’) 

• Special friends (digraph) – two letters make one sound (e.g. ay, ee, ie, oa, oo, ow) and trigraph – three letters make one sound (e.g. air, ure) 

• Chatty friends (Split digraph) – two letters make one sound, but the letters have been split apart by another letter 

• Segment– to break down the word into its individual sounds to spell (e.g dog can be split into the sounds d-o-g.) 

• Blend – to put or merge the sounds together to make a word (e.g. the sounds c-a-t are blended to the word ‘cat’) 

• Fred talk – Saying the individual sounds within a word (sounding out the word) 

• Fred in your head – Children are taught the skill of identifying specials friends and reading the word in their head