Intent

At Court Farm, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. We also believe that reading is pivotal to what we do and that it opens doors to all areas of learning. Historically, humans are a storytelling species and as we naturally try to make causal connections, reading across the curriculum enables our children to retain knowledge and encounter newly learnt vocabulary in different contexts.

Implementation

We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised for our Phonics teaching. Nursery follow ‘Foundations’ where they are exposed to high-quality stories and poems. They learn a range of nursery rhymes and action rhymes, providing activities that develop focused listening and attention, oral blending and attention to high-quality language. We ensure Nursery children are well prepared to begin learning grapheme-phoneme correspondences (GPCs) and blending in Reception. ‘Foundations’ is delivered three times a week for 10 minutes. In Reception, we build from 10-minute lessons to 20-30 minutes daily sessions. Each Friday, we review the week’s teaching to help children become fluent readers. Children make a strong start in Reception: teaching begins as soon as children are settled in the Autumn term (normally by week 2). Children in Reception are taught to read and spell words using Phase 2 and 3 GPCs and words with adjacent consonants (Phase 4) with fluency and accuracy. Children in Year 1 review Phase 3 and 4 and are taught to read and spell words using Phase 5 GPCs with fluency and accuracy. Phonics lessons and supporting interventions are taught by a fully trained and competent member of staff.

Impact

By the time children leave us they will:

• Be confident and fluent readers and tackle unfamiliar words as they read. 
• Be confident writers as they will use their knowledge of phonics within their writing.
• Have been exposed to a wide range of high-quality texts and be able to speak confidently about stories. 
• Use high-quality language and vocabulary within conversations with peers and adults.

In order to be confident in the impact of Phonics across the whole school community, the Reading Lead will monitor the subject through the following methods:

• Pupil voice 
• Learning walks
• Listening to children read 
• Staff questionnaires
• Monitoring classroom & whole school displays
• Resources provided for the children
• Delivery of reading focus workshops

Home reading

The decodable reading practice book is taken home to ensure success is shared with the family. Reading for pleasure books also go home for parents to share and read to children.