Phonics
At Bassingbourn, we want every child to become a confident, fluent reader as quickly as possible. Phonics gives children the key to reading and spelling, so they can go on to enjoy books for themselves.
How we teach phonics
We teach phonics using Read Write Inc. Phonics, a complete programme for learning to read and spell. From Reception, children have a phonics lesson every day until they read fluently, usually by the end of Year 2. Groups are based on the sounds children know, so every lesson is pitched at the right stage.
What children learn
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Speed Sounds: the sounds of English, taught in three sets, using pure sounds rather than letter names
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Fred Talk: blending sounds together to read words, such as c-a-t, cat
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Storybooks: books matched to the sounds children know, read three times in school and again at home
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Fred Fingers: sounding out words on their fingers to spell them
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Writing: forming letters correctly and writing sentences about their storybook
Once children complete the programme, they move on to reading comprehension and then whole-class reading, ready for Pathways to Read in Year 3.
Phonics screening check
In June, children in Year 1 take the phonics screening check, reading 40 words aloud with a familiar adult. Children still securing their phonics take it again in Year 2. We share your child's result in their end-of-year report.
Phonics for every child
Every half term, we check each child's progress, so groups can change as soon as a child is ready to move on. Any child who needs extra practice has daily keep-up sessions, helping them keep pace with their group. Lessons are adapted for pupils with SEND, and children who progress quickly move up groups, so they are always challenged.
In Years 3 and 4, any child still securing their phonics continues with Read Write Inc. Phonics. For older readers in Years 5 and 6, we use Read Write Inc. Fresh Start, a programme designed for their age.
Supporting your child at home
Reading your child's storybook with them each evening makes a real difference. When you practise sounds together, say the pure sound, such as "mmm" rather than "muh". The links below include short videos showing how.
Useful documents and links
Read Write Inc. Phonics: a guide for parents (Oxford Owl)
Learning to read at home (Ruth Miskin)
