Early Reading and phonics

We use the Little Wandle phonics programme to support our children . This page should provide you with all the information that you need to support your child with their learning.

Use the links at the side of the page to access useful resources - such as the letters that we have sent out, and further information and guidance - or browse our frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

This page will be updated regularly, so do call back to keep up-to-date!

Our new reading corner!

Phonics FAQ:

Why did we start a new phonics scheme?

In July 2023 the Government produced the new ‘reading framework’ centred around early reading research. It states that by ensuring high-quality phonics teaching, the government wants to improve literacy levels to:

give all children a solid base upon which to build as they progress through school
help children to develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information A validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) teaching programme should be used in all schools.

How will phonics be taught in school?

Phonics will be taught every day, usually the first session of the day. The session will last for around 30mins and be led by the teacher. Most children will be taught in their year groups and then there will be keep up and catch-up sessions for small groups and individuals during the day.

How will reading be taught in school?

Children will read in small, same ability groups three times each week. This will be with a teacher or teacher assistant. The same scheme book will be read in the group each time but each session will focus on three specific skills of reading:

Session 1: Decoding (sounding out and reading the words)
Session 2: Prosody (expression and reading with meaning in our voices)
Session 3: Comprehension (understanding what has been read)

Will my child take home a scheme book?

The book that has been used in the three reading sessions will be sent home via Collins Ebooks. This is to ensure all our new books stay in complete sets within school for all pupils to use. This reading practice book will be fully decodable and match your child’s phonic ability. They should not struggle or find the book a challenge. Please avoid thinking that this is then too ‘easy’ for my child – you should listen to them read with confidence and enjoy their expression and knowledge of the book.

Will my child take home an actual book too?

Yes, of course! If children are to become lifelong readers, it is essential that they are encouraged to read for pleasure. The desire of wanting to read will help with the skill of reading. To help foster a love of reading, children will take a book home that they can share and enjoy with you. This will be a book of their choice from the class library. This is known as the sharing book. You should not expect your child to read this book independently and certainly should not try to get your child to do so. This book is for you to read to, or with, your child and enjoy together. Children in Y2 who have completed the phonics programme will then move onto the Little Wandle Fluency reading books which are closely matched to their reading ability. These books are designed to further support the development of their reading fluency and comprehension skills and will be issued as an e-book once the children have finished reading the book in school.

Will I need to write in their reading diary?

Yes please! This information gives all staff an insight into reading at home. Please ensure your child’s reading diary is in their book bag every day. Comments could be as simple as:

Read the sharing book together and enjoyed.
[Name] predicted what would happen.
We had to read it twice it was so good!
I was impressed with [name's] expression.
Fluent and confident.
Read well.

Will all children be taught using Little Wandle?

Yes! Reception children will start the programme from the beginning. Y1 children will be revising some of their sounds from last year and then teachers will be assessing where they need to start on the programme. All Year 2 pupils will participate in Little Wandle phonics sessions up to half term when they will be assessed. Following this, and subsequent assessment points, those who have successfully completed the phonics programme will move onto our Little Wandle spelling programme. See the spelling section of our website for words and sentences should you wish to support your child with further spelling practice at home.