Phonics

At Pluckley Church of England Primary School we aim to provide the ‘rich soil’ for our community; nurturing and cultivating all, to thrive and to achieve their full potential.

At Pluckley Church of England Primary school we recognise that reading is a key life skill and that the ability to read brings life-long pleasure. The teaching of phonics and early reading throughout Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 is of the highest priority. We follow the phonics programme Read Write Inc. This is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme for Reception to Year 4, teaching phonics, early reading and writing. It teaches children to read accurately, fluently and with understanding. 

Read Write Inc at Pluckley Church of England Primary school support the young people in our care to become:

• A community of resilient and ambitious individuals who strive for outstanding outcomes, who use their initiative and are unafraid of making mistakes.
  • Children are placed in groups based on their Phonics knowledge and skills. Effective grouping means children learn at their specific ‘challenge’ level for the whole session daily. If they need additional practice and support, children are quickly identified ensuing there are no knowledge gaps. “Keep up not catch up” clearly states the importance of not leaving any child behind, and our staff at Pluckley Church of England Primary School are committed to ensuring we give every child the skills and ability to read.
• A community of successful learners with a thirst for knowledge who are curious and self-motivated to learn and achieve.
  • We strive to teach children to read effectively and quickly, following the Read Write Inc programme. During the lesson, children use materials matched to their ability. As the children progress they move through the Read Write Inc colour bands according to their ability. 
• A community with a strong spiritual foundation who thrives by embodying our REFLECT values in all that they think, say and do.
  • Phonics sessions regularly allow children to demonstrate our REFLECT values. Children have the opportunity to work with partners, showing respect, trust and cooperation. Everything they are taught they practise, therefore taking leadership of their learning and showing endeavour as they keep trying.
• A community provided with a range of strategies to support positive mental health; enabling them to live fulfilled and happy lives.
  • Phonics sessions are structured and consistent which allows children to focus on phonic knowledge rather than anxiety on what happens next. Adult’s listen to children reading daily. Children are provided with all the strategies to succeed to ensure that the process of learning to read is an enjoyable and positive experience. 
• A community of confident and responsible individuals which has a strong sense of togetherness and strives to make a positive contribution both now and in the future.
  • Reading opens the door to learning; teaching children to read and write independently, as quickly as possible is fundamental to their continued success. It gives children the keys to the rest of the curriculum and also has a huge impact on their self-esteem and future life chances. 

How is Phonics taught across the school?

Children are taught in groups based on their assessments. Reception children remain in class groups until Term 3 then will be grouped across the school, based on their end of term assessments. The sessions follow the same structure. Starting with a speed sounds session, teaching new sounds and reviewing previously learnt sounds, moving onto a storybook. Children read the same book throughout the week building up a range of skills.

How do we know what the children have learnt and understood?

Rigorous assessments and tracking take place termly, alongside formative assessments throughout sessions, ensuring children are placed in the correct group. 1:1 tutoring takes place daily with identified children to ensure children can keep up rather than having to catch up.