Phonics and Reading in EYFS and KS1

Phonics and Reading in EYFS and KS1 

At Alsager Highfields, we teach phonics through the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme. Learning to read is one of the most important skills a child will develop during their primary education. We are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident, fluent reader who enjoys reading for both learning and pleasure. Alongside teaching children how to read, we aim to foster a lifelong love of books and storytelling. 

Read Write Inc. Phonics 

Read Write Inc. is a structured and highly effective phonics programme that teaches children to read, write and spell. Through engaging, systematic teaching, children learn how sounds are represented by letters and groups of letters, enabling them to decode unfamiliar words and develop strong early literacy skills.  

Daily Read Write Inc. lessons take place in Reception, Year 1 and, where needed, Year 2. Children are taught in groups that are carefully matched to their stage of learning, ensuring they receive appropriate support and challenge. 

How Will My Child Learn to Read? 

In Reception, children begin by learning the Set 1 Sounds. They are taught to recognise sounds (phonemes) and the letters or letter groups (graphemes) that represent them. Developing this knowledge is essential for both reading and spelling. 

Children learn simple prompts to help them remember the sounds and letters they are learning. They also practise reading and spelling common words that cannot always be decoded using phonics alone, often referred to as 'red words' or 'tricky words', such as said, where, once and have. 

As children's phonic knowledge develops, they read books that closely match the sounds and words they know. This allows them to experience success from the beginning of their reading journey and helps to build confidence and fluency. 

In addition to phonics teaching, teachers read aloud to children every day. Through exposure to a wide range of stories, poetry and non-fiction texts, children develop their vocabulary, comprehension and understanding of the world around them. 

The Five Ps of Read Write Inc. 

Pace Lessons are lively, purposeful and fast-paced, ensuring children remain engaged and make strong progress. 

Praise Positive encouragement is at the heart of every lesson. Children are recognised for their effort, achievements and perseverance, helping to build confidence and motivation. 

Purpose Every activity has a clear learning intention so that children understand what they are learning and why. 

Participation All children are actively involved throughout lessons through partner work, discussion and choral responses. 

Passion Our staff teach phonics with enthusiasm and commitment, helping children develop positive attitudes towards reading and writing. 

Reading at Alsager Highfields 

We begin by sharing high-quality picture books and stories with our children. As children become confident in applying their phonic knowledge, they progress through Sound Blending Books and Read Write Inc. Book Bag Books. 

Children move through the reading stages at their own pace, supported by regular Read Write Inc. assessments and ongoing teacher assessment. This ensures that every child reads books that are appropriately matched to their level of development. 

Alongside the Read Write Inc. scheme, children have access to a rich range of high-quality children's literature that promotes vocabulary development, comprehension skills and a love of reading. 

Once children have successfully completed the Read Write Inc. reading programme, they move on to RWI Comprehension and Accelerated Reader texts, which continue to develop fluency, comprehension and reading for pleasure. 

Reading for Pleasure 

At Alsager Highfields, we believe that reading should be enjoyable as well as educational. We provide regular opportunities for children to listen to and discuss high-quality texts, explore different authors and genres, and develop their own reading preferences. Our aim is for every child to leave Key Stage 1 as a confident, capable and enthusiastic reader.