Reception and Key Stage 1 – Early Reading and Phonics

We teach early reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a systematic synthetic phonics programme. From the very start of Reception, children have a daily phonics lesson that helps them become fluent, confident readers.

Teaching starts in the second week of the Autumn term. Lessons build from short oral blending games to full sessions lasting around thirty minutes. Each week children learn new sounds and tricky words, with regular review sessions to secure progress.

Children make rapid progress through the Little Wandle phases. By the end of Year 1, most children can read accurately and fluently. Half-termly assessments help us spot gaps quickly so that children who need extra help receive short, focused “Keep Up” sessions every day.

Reading Practice Sessions

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 take part in three Reading Practice sessions each week with an adult. These sessions focus on:

• Decoding – recognising and blending sounds

• Prosody – reading with expression and understanding

• Comprehension – making sense of what they have read

Children read fully decodable Little Wandle Big Cat books that match their phonics stage. The same book is then sent home so families can celebrate their child’s growing fluency and confidence.

Supporting Reading at Home

Reading at home makes a big difference.

Each week, your child will bring home:

• A reading practice book matched to their current reading level to build fluency and confidence

• A sharing book to enjoy together for pleasure and curiosity

Listen to your child read their practice book and praise their effort. With their sharing book, read aloud together, talk about the story and explore new words. The goal is simple: make reading enjoyable.

Teaching and Leadership of Phonics

All staff are trained to deliver Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised with fidelity and precision. Regular coaching, practice sessions and monitoring ensure lessons are consistent and of high quality. Assessment information is reviewed each half term so that any child who needs extra support receives targeted “Keep Up” sessions straight away.

Leaders check the quality of phonics and reading regularly through lesson visits, assessment reviews and progress discussions. This ensures that every child keeps up and that high standards are maintained across the school.

Key Stage 2 – Reading to Learn

In Key Stage 2, children move from learning to read towards reading to learn. Every class follows a clear, structured reading sequence each week that combines shared reading, guided reading and opportunities for independent reading.

Shared reading is led by the teacher using a rich, challenging text, often linked to the class novel or English unit. The teacher models key reading skills aloud, such as vocabulary exploration, inference and summarising. Children then practise these skills with a partner and discuss their thinking, while the teacher listens in to check understanding and progress.

Guided reading takes place in small groups matched to reading ability. The teacher revisits the focus skill, supports children as they read independently, and listens to each child in turn. Each session ends with a discussion question to develop comprehension and oracy. While the teacher works with one group, other children apply the same focus independently using books at their level or read for pleasure.

Children who are not yet fluent have additional guided sessions each week, focusing on specific decoding or comprehension skills so that they keep up. This balance of shared, guided and independent reading ensures that every child reads often, develops fluency and understanding, and enjoys a wide range of literature.

Alongside phonics and comprehension, we promote a strong culture of reading for pleasure. Classrooms and our library are filled with high-quality books that reflect different authors, cultures and interests. Daily story time, author studies and book recommendations help children connect with stories, language and ideas. Across the school, children are encouraged to talk about books, share recommendations and take part in events such as World Book Day, reading challenges and author visits. Displays celebrate favourite reads and promote a sense of pride in reading.

We want every child to leave Thringstone as an independent, fluent reader who understands, enjoys and values the power of books.