Our approach to reading & phonics
Our Approach to Reading
At Stoneferry Primary, we place a huge emphasis on the importance of reading in all year groups. We want all children to be confident decoders and fluent readers by the end of Key Stage One (KS1) to enable them to access our Key Stage Two (KS2) curriculum.
Our strive for excellence and love of reading continues throughout KS2 were children are given the opportunities to read more demanding texts and discuss them openly as well as developing a broad vocabulary and continuing to develop their fluency and stamina in reading.
We want all our pupils to leave KS2 being fluent readers (across a wide range of texts) which enables them to access confidently the secondary curriculum and the broader aspects of everyday life.
Phonics
Progression in phonics skills and knowledge are taught following the “Read Write Inc” (RWI) programme. RWI is a complete literacy programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. It teaches synthetic phonics, sight vocabulary, decoding and encoding words as well as spelling and accurate letter formation supported with regular handwriting sessions. The programme is designed for children aged 4-7. However, at Stoneferry Primary, we begin the programme in the Nursery and will continue teaching RWI to children beyond the age of 7 if they still need support in their reading.
Children in our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and KS1 will receive daily RWI lessons based on their phonic knowledge. This ensures that all children are taught the skills they require in order to become fluent readers. Lessons include a Speed Sound lesson, word reading time, story book time (guided reading) and an element of writing. Regular assessment takes place to ensure that children are grouped correctly and given sufficient challenge and support.
The following link for contains useful videos, an overview of RWI and free resources for parents to use at home.
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/
Reading Books
Children who are working on the RWI programme take home a decodable reading book linked to the sounds they have been taught. This will be their “I can read this book”. Alongside this, children also bring home a story book that they have chosen which is a book they can share with an adult or older sibling. This will be their “I can share this book”.
In addition to creating a love of reading and giving a broader reading experience, we operate a nationally recognised book banding system for those pupils who have completed RWI. This incorporates well-known children’s literature as well as books from the Oxford Reading Tree, Rigby Star, Collins and Rising Stars. The bands allow for growth in progress and periods of consolidation. The children are aware of the book banding system and are very enthusiastic about moving through the colour bands. The most able children further up the school move through the colours to the dark red band before becoming a ‘free reader’.
We offer a range of fiction and non-fiction texts across all genres to give our children access to a variety of styles of writing.
As well as being given reading books to take home, all children receive high quality reading opportunities in school through shared, independent, guided and whole-class reading activities. Again, texts in these lessons are closely matched to each child’s reading ability.
Support
Children who require extra support in phonics and reading (for example those who do not achieve the standard of the Phonics Screening Check in Year One) are offered additional help with their reading through small steps planning in the classroom, short intervention sessions, 1:1 tutoring or the RWI Fresh Start package delivered by teaching assistants.
Further information for parents
“Teachers are highly perceptive to pupils’ needs, especially those with SEND, ensuring they access the full curriculum and receive tailored, effective support.”
“The curriculum is well planned and sequenced, supporting pupils to build knowledge, use subject-specific vocabulary, and explain their learning clearly.”
“Reading starts straight away, with phonics taught consistently and effectively, ensuring no pupil is left behind in becoming a confident reader.”
“Stoneferry Primary School is a caring community where pupils thrive, enjoy learning, and are eager to take part in every lesson.”
“The ‘Stoneferry Toolkit’ helps pupils to be kind, tolerant and respectful, and they show a clear understanding of how to stay safe both online and offline.”
“Pupils behave well and treat each other and adults with kindness and respect, creating a calm and inclusive school atmosphere.”
“Teachers have high expectations, and pupils rise to them—showing respect, enthusiasm, and a real love of learning both in and out of the classroom.”
“There are exciting clubs, curriculum-linked trips, and creative experiences like science club and visits to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park that pupils love.”
“Pupils show strong awareness of democracy, difference and wellbeing, and regularly vote for their school council while learning how to keep a healthy mind.”
“In early years, children develop independence and focus through rich indoor and outdoor learning opportunities, stories, rhymes and purposeful play.”
