At Allscott Meads, we use the ‘Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised’ programme to teach phonics. This validated, systematic, and synthetic approach to phonics ensures that children develop the essential skills needed to become confident and fluent readers. Phonics teaching begins in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and continues through Year 1, Year 2, and, where needed, into Year 3 and beyond, ensuring all children are supported in their reading journey.
Phonics is the foundation of early reading and writing. Through this method, children are taught to recognise the sounds (phonemes) that letters and combinations of letters (graphemes) represent. They learn to blend these sounds to read words and segment them to spell. This structured approach supports children in developing strong decoding skills, a key component of reading fluency.
Our aim is to foster a love of reading while equipping children with the phonetic skills needed to decode text confidently. We aim for every child to leave Allscott Meads as a fluent reader, prepared for the next stage of their education.
Phonics is taught daily in EYFS and Key Stage 1, with additional sessions provided for those needing extra support in Key Stage 2. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build upon prior knowledge, incorporating engaging resources and activities to maintain enthusiasm and progress. Regular assessments ensure that interventions are targeted and effective, ensuring no child is left behind.
Our approach ensures that children develop strong reading foundations, achieving fluency and comprehension. This success is reflected in their ability to access the wider curriculum and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Provision Across Year Groups:
- EYFS: Children begin their phonics journey with daily sessions that focus on introducing sounds, blending, and segmenting in a playful, engaging way.
- Year 1 and 2: Phonics lessons continue systematically, ensuring children progress through the programme. Year 1 pupils are prepared for the Phonics Screening Check, with additional support provided where necessary.
- Year 3 and Beyond: For children requiring further development, phonics support is continued in small groups or one-to-one sessions to ensure they reach fluency.
