We use a phonics programme called Read Write Inc. to teach children to read and write.

In Nursery, children become familiar with and are taught to recognise the pictures on the cards that they will use in Reception to help them learn their sounds.

As soon as children start Reception we begin teaching them to read. We teach children in Reception and Year 1 to read and write in progress groups once they have been taught the first 16 sounds.

The children begin by learning to identify sounds that single letters make. For example m, a, s, d, t


Children learn to read words using the sounds that they have learnt by blending the sounds together. For example, they can read s-a-d, m-a-t, g-o-t.
By the end of Reception, we expect all children to know the sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs (2 letters representing a single sound, such as sh).

In year 1, as children progress through the programme, they learn further digraphs and trigraphs (3 letters representing a single sound, such as igh). Children learn to blend the sounds into words, read exception words (red words), learn correct letter formation and learn to spell.

By the end of year 1, we expect all children to respond speedily with the correct sound to graphemes (letters or groups of letters) for all 40+ phonemes, including, where applicable, alternative sounds for graphemes and read common exception words.

By the end of autumn term in year 2, we expect all children to read longer words speedily and unfamiliar multi-syllabic words. They are able to read at a speed of 80-90+ words a minute.

Children learn to read books that match the sounds they have been taught. They read these books in school three times to build accuracy, fluency and understanding. Children take them home to read to their parents.

	Beginning Autumn	Oct half term	End Autumn	Feb half term	End Spring	May half term	End Summer
Reception	Set 1 Group A	Group B	Group C	Ditty	Red	Green	Purple
Year 1	Purple	Pink	Orange	Yellow	Yellow	Blue	Blue
Year 2	Blue	Grey	Grey	Gold 2 Developing	Gold 2 Developing	White 1 2 Secure	White 1 2 Secure

Our goal is for children to:

1. Work out unfamiliar words quickly - including new vocabulary and names.
2. Read familiar words speedily - that is, words they have been taught.
3. Read texts - including the words they have been taught - fluently.

We expect all children to achieve these expectations of progress. Any children not meeting the expectations, receive fast track tutoring to help them keep up with their peers.