Phonics

At Staple Hill Primary School we teach synthetic phonics throughout the school. We follow the ‘Read, Write, Inc’ programme which provides a structured and systematic approach to the teaching of phonics. It aims for children to develop fluent word reading skills and have good foundations in spelling by the end of Key Stage One. Your child’s class teacher will be able to tell you which set they are working in. The teaching of phonics begins in Reception, using Read, Write, Inc to introduce sounds to the children. Children will then learn further sounds in line with Read, Write, Inc progression. In order to support children to make the most progress in phonics, they are organised into groups from Year One through to Year Four. Regular assessment is carried out and these groups remain fluid to ensure that children can move between groups as needed.

What is Read Write Inc Phonics:

Parent video: What is Read Write Inc Phonics – Bing video

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

In 2011-2012 the government introduced the statutory checking of phonics for Year One children. The Year One Phonics Screening Check is a national check of children’s phonic knowledge that all children in England are required to complete. The check comprises of a mixture of real and nonsense words which children have to decode/read. The check takes place at the end of Year One. An example of the check published by the Department for Education can be viewed below:

media.education.gov.uk/phonics.pdf

How can I help?

We are really grateful to all of our parents who spend time supporting the education of their child at home, and reading is one of the key areas where parents can help. The earlier children are exposed to books, the better they will perform with their reading, as well as with their use of their imagination and ability to be creative. We have provided links to the following websites which can provide activities and advice about how to use phonics at home.

Pure sounds video

This video demonstrates how to pronounce pure sounds from Set 1 Sounds through to Set 3. At home, recapping pure sounds with your child would benefit their knowledge of the different sounds.