Phonics

Phonics

At Rounds Green Primary School, we believe every child should have the chance to become happy, fluent readers. Therefore, Phonics is taught though 'The Letters and Sounds' highly structured programme across FS/KS1. This takes the form of differentiated groups according to developmental needs.  Each session gives an opportunity for children to revisit their previous learning, be taught new skills, practise them together and apply what they have learned.

Children’s progress is continually reviewed to allow for movement between ability groups, and to plan interventions for those needing extra support. All children are assessed at the end of each half term, they are then regrouped for the following term.

The National Phonics Screening Check is performed in June of Year 1. The purpose of the screening check is to confirm that all children have learned phonic decoding to an age appropriate standard. The children who do not meet the required standard for the check in year 1 will be rescreened in year 2. These year 2 children will continue to receive phonics sessions to support them with reaching the required standard. Children entering KS2 that still require support with reading and spelling will also be given phonics interventions.

Letters and Sounds is a teaching programme designed to help practitioners and teachers teach children how the alphabet works for reading and spelling. It was published by the Department for Education in April 2007 and has been widely distributed to local authorities, schools and settings.

There are six overlapping phases. The table below is a summary based on the Letters and Sounds guidance for Practitioners and Teachers. For more detailed information, visit the Letters and Sounds website.