Within our Federation, we understand that literacy and communication are essential life skills. Through our English curriculum, we enable children to develop their skills and knowledge and to communicate effectively and creatively through spoken and written language.

We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised complete systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP). Phonics is a method schools use to teach your child to read the sounds in words. It helps your child to learn to read quickly and skilfully and is an essential part of your child’s early education.

Phonics is taught daily in structured sessions in Reception and Key Stage One. Learning is then revisited within independent activities throughout the week. Once children have a good grasp of phonics, they move on to learning other spelling rules.

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The national Phonics Screening Check was introduced in 2012 for all Year 1 pupils. It is a short, statutory assessment to ensure that children are making sufficient progress in the phonics skills to read words and are on track to become fluent readers who can enjoy reading for pleasure and for learning. The screening check normally takes place in June each year.