Phonics at Willaston Primary

INTENT

At Willaston Primary Academy, our aim is for every child to become a fluent, confident reader and writer. We believe that learning to read is one of the most important achievements in a child’s early education, 

Daily Phonics Lessons (Reception and Key Stage 1)

Phonics teaching begins in Reception during the second week of the autumn term and is taught daily in small, ability-based groups.

We follow the Read Write Inc. progression, ensuring that new sounds and words are introduced in a clear, structured order. Lessons include:

• Revisiting known sounds and words.

• Introducing a new sound.

• Practising blending and segmenting words.

• Reading and spelling with the new sound.

• Applying learning through writing and sentence work.

Each session is fast-paced and engaging, helping children to retain and apply their learning quickly.

Children are regularly assessed and regrouped to ensure they are always working at the right level.

Targeted Support and Catch-Up

• Any child who finds reading difficult receives additional daily support using the Read Write Inc. ‘Fast Track Tutoring’ resources.

• Children who have not met the expected standard by the end of Year 1 continue phonics teaching into Year 2.

• Older pupils who still need support receive short, focused phonics or reading interventions matched to their specific needs.

This ensures that no child is left behind in their reading journey.

Reading Practice and Application

Children apply their phonics learning through regular reading practice sessions using RWI Storybooks that match their secure sound knowledge. These sessions focus on:

• Decoding – reading words accurately.

• Prosody – reading with expression and understanding.

• Comprehension – discussing and understanding what they have read.

Children take home a RWI Ditty Book, which they have read in class and a RWI Book Bag Book matched to the sounds they know, as well as a reading for pleasure book to enjoy with their families. This helps to build confidence, fluency, and a positive reading habit at home.

Assessment and Monitoring

• Teachers continually assess children’s progress during lessons.

• Formal RWI assessments take place half-termly to track progress and inform groupings.

• Children new to the school are assessed on entry to identify their starting point.

• Leaders regularly monitor phonics teaching to ensure high-quality delivery and consistent progress across the school.

Statutory Assessment

All children in Year 1 complete the Phonics Screening Check in June.
Any pupil who does not meet the expected standard receives targeted support and re-takes the check in Year 2.

IMPACT

By the time children leave Key Stage 1 at Willaston Primary Academy, they will:

• Read fluently and with confidence.

• Apply their phonics knowledge effectively in both reading and writing.

• Enjoy reading for pleasure and purpose.

• Have developed resilience and independence as learners.

Our consistent, high-quality phonics teaching ensures that every child becomes a competent, enthusiastic reader, equipped with the skills they need to succeed in all areas of learning.