How We Teach Phonics and Reading 

At St Thomas CE Primary School, learning to read is the most important skill your child will develop. Everything else in school depends on it, so we put as much energy as possible into ensuring that every child learns to read quickly, confidently and with enjoyment. 

We want children not only to learn how to read, but also to develop a lifelong love of books and stories. Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and school life. 

Our Phonics Programme: Read Write Inc. Phonics 

We teach reading using the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme, a highly structured, systematic synthetic phonics programme developed by Ruth Miskin. 

Read Write Inc. Phonics teaches children to read sounds (phonemes) and blend them together to read words. It builds reading fluency, confidence and comprehension and is especially effective for children who find learning to read more challenging, including those with dyslexia. In addition it helps children learn to spell accurately. All staff are fully trained in delivering Read Write Inc., and the programme is taught consistently across the school. 

How Will My Child Be Taught to Read? 

Early Reading and Phonics 

  • Phonics teaching begins in Reception 
  • Children learn how sounds are represented by letters or groups of letters 
  • They are taught simple ways to remember sounds and to blend them together to read words 
  • Children also learn to read and spell ‘tricky words’ (e.g. once, have, said, where) which cannot be sounded out easily 

Reading Practice 

  • Children read books that are carefully matched to the phonics sounds and tricky words they know 
  • This ensures early success and builds confidence 
  • Children quickly begin to see themselves as readers 

Reading for Pleasure 

  • Teachers read aloud to children every day 
  • Children are exposed to a wide range of stories, poetry and non-fiction 
  • This helps develop vocabulary, comprehension and a love of reading 

Reading Books and Schemes We Use 

In school, children read Read Write Inc. Phonics Storybooks, which are precisely matched to the sounds they are learning in their phonics lessons. Children also take home Read Write Inc. Phonics Book Bag Books, which are closely matched to the Read Write Inc. Storybooks used in class. They allow children to practise reading independently at the correct level and reinforce phonics learning through extra practice. These books include both fiction and non-fiction texts to suit all learners preferences. 

Book Bag Books include helpful notes for parents and carers, such as pre-reading activities, vocabulary checks and comprehension questions. 

Children may also bring home a book they can read independently and/or a book to share with an adult for enjoyment and discussion. Teachers will explain which is which. 

How Do We Check Progress? 

We closely track every child’s reading progress and use reading assessments to compare progress with national expectations. Children are regularly assessed and grouped according to their reading level. Groups are flexible and children move as soon as they are ready. Extra one-to-one support is provided where needed.  

Phonics Screening Check 

In the summer term of Year 1, children complete the national Phonics Screening Check. This provides additional information about your child’s progress. These results are reported to parents.  

When Will My Child Be a Confident Reader? 

By the end of Year 2, children should be able to read age-appropriate books fluently. In Year 3 and beyond, there is a greater focus on reading comprehension and understanding, while reading for pleasure continues to be promoted throughout the school 

How Do We Ensure High-Quality Teaching? 

All teachers and teaching assistants across school are trained in Read Write Inc. Phonics. Staff teach reading using the same consistent methods and language to ensure quality and consistency. Senior leaders regularly monitor reading lessons to ensure high standards in teaching and learning.  

How Can Parents and Carers Help at Home? 

  • Attend school meetings about phonics and reading 
  • Help your child to say sounds and blend them together 
  • Avoid using letter names when helping with reading 
  • You can hear correct pronunciation of sounds here: Ruth Miskin - Parents and Carers
  • Read to your child as often as possible and talk about books together 
  • Encourage your child to retell familiar stories and discuss characters and events 

Attendance Matters 

Regular attendance is essential. Phonics teaching is carefully sequenced, and missing even one lesson can leave gaps in learning that make reading harder. 

What If My Child Finds Reading Difficult? 

  • We identify difficulties quickly 
  • Children may move to a different group to secure learning 
  • Extra one-to-one support is provided by trained adults 
  • Support is given without children missing other important lessons 
  • We will always talk to you if we have concerns