Phonics Statement of Intent

To learn to read fluently, accurately and confidently. We know that reading is the key that unlocks the whole curriculum and enables them to access their learning. Therefore, strong phonic knowledge and the ability to decode efficiently is essential to them becoming lifelong readers.

Phonics at MLJA

When a child embarks on their journey at MLJA, all children are assessed for their reading and phonic understanding as phonics plays a significant part of our spelling and reading provision throughout the school. Teachers use their knowledge of phonemes and graphemes to help children segment and decode new words, as this understanding is transferrable across the wider curriculum.

What is phonics?

Phonics provides the bedrock for reading and writing. Phonics is a way of teaching children how to read and write. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds that distinguish one word from another in the English language. Phonics involves matching the sounds of spoken English with individual letters or groups of letters. For example, the sound k can be spelled as c, k or ck. Teaching children to blend the sounds of letters together helps them decode unfamiliar or unknown words by sounding them out. Phonics is utilised in everyday life through the ability to read, understand and recognise letters/sounds and words. Although you may not know it, phonics is needed to read a menu, to read the subtitles on your TV or even read your text messages.

How is phonics utilised in our school?

As a school, our vision for phonics stems around the idea that all children should become phonologically sound and fluent readers. We decided that this vision should be implemented through following Ruth Miskin’s Read, Write, Inc (RWI) phonics scheme. RWI is the UK’s leading synthetic phonics programme with the most bespoke phonics professional development. The RWI programme follows a systematic process of phonological teaching, whereby children learn individual sounds, words linked to these sounds and then, apply them through focusing on structuring sentences and handwriting sessions. The children’s reading books are also appropriately linked up to this specific target. In turn, Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics programme which helps all children learn to read fluently and at speed so they can focus on developing their skills in comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.

RWI is delivered by experienced and trained teachers/ support staff daily, these sessions are hourly long sessions which are held during the English sessions. Alongside this, children that need additional phonological support will be supported by additional phonics sessions with their teacher or support staff who have been trained in delivering early reading.

Overall impact is assessed through staff regularly assessing pupils' reading ability through listening to children read, their work in the classroom and through assessments completed termly and annually by the Phonics Lead. Children who have fallen behind are identified quickly to ensure they can catch up. Teachers and support staff regularly run additional groups to help support children with their reading, including using specific targets identified on support plans for pupils with SEND.