Phonics

Children are initially taught to spell using their phonic knowledge. In Nursery, all children begin Phase 1 in Letters and Sounds and progress through the sequence until the term before they move to full time school where they are taught phonics through Read Write Inc.

PHONICS SCREENING CHECK
The National phonics screening check is a statutory assessment that was introduced in 2012 to all Year 1 pupils and is a quick and easy check of a child’s phonic knowledge. All year 1 pupils (with the possible exception) will take the phonics screening check in June each year.
The screening check, which comprises of 20 real words and 20 nonsense words, identifies children who have phonic decoding skills below the level expected for the end of year 1 and who therefore may need additional help. Children that are working towards the current age related pass mark of 32/40 will be required to re‐take the assessment in year 2.
There is a large emphasis on the phonics check in year 1. In addition to daily phonic sessions and to ensure that children are prepared for the check, we provide;

• a half termly mock phonic check to show how many words each child can read, which children are on track to pass, key sounds that children are struggling with and identified individuals/groups that need additional support
• afternoon interventions; planned by the year 1 teacher and led by a TA to raise the attainment of key groups e.g. the first targeted group will be children who are just working below age related expectations
• regular information to parents e.g. phonics check leaflet, home activities etc
• tight tracking by the KS1 leader/phonics lead to ensure that all of the above is in place and an impact is being made through smart action planning

Children who still require quality first phonics in KS2 do so in small groups with support from a teaching assistant.

Video Resources