Phonics
Phonics at Ashbury Primary School
At Ashbury Primary, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme. This structured and engaging approach supports our children in learning how letters represent sounds, and how these sounds blend together to form words.
Phonics is a key part of early reading and writing. Our aim is to ensure all children develop strong foundational skills to become confident, fluent readers and writers.
We begin teaching phonics in Reception, following a carefully sequenced plan that builds year on year. This means every child can make steady progress and develop strategies to decode unfamiliar words as they move through the school.
Phonics is also reinforced across the curriculum. Teachers model these strategies during reading and writing sessions throughout the day, both inside and outside of the dedicated phonics lesson. We place a strong focus on developing children's language skills, recognising how important speaking and listening are for success in reading and writing.
How We Teach Phonics
-
In Reception and Year 1, phonics is taught daily, with a review session every Friday.
-
Teaching begins in week 2 of Reception to ensure children get off to a strong start.
-
By the end of Reception, children are expected to reach the end of Phase 4.
-
By the end of Year 1, children will have completed Phase 5.
-
Reception lessons start at 10 minutes, with additional daily oral blending. These increase to 30 minutes as soon as possible.
-
Year 1 lessons are taught for 30 minutes each day.
Support Beyond Year 1
-
In Years 2 and 3, children who need extra support continue with daily phonics sessions, based on assessments and following the Little Wandle approach.
-
From Year 2 to Year 6, we run targeted phonics 'catch-up' sessions. These are short (10 minutes) and take place at least three times per week to help address specific reading or writing gaps.
Reading Practice Sessions
Children in Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 (and beyond, if needed) take part in small group reading practice sessions using fully decodable books matched to their current phonics knowledge.
-
Sessions are 15 minutes long, with around six children in each group.
-
These sessions take place three times a week and follow the Little Wandle model.
-
The same book is sent home the following week to give children the opportunity to celebrate their reading success with family members.
-
In Reception, these sessions begin in week 4. Children not yet ready for reading begin with oral blending sessions to build confidence.
How We Assess Phonics Progress
-
In Reception and Year 1, learning is reviewed weekly, with additional bespoke review weeks planned based on teacher assessment.
-
Children at risk of falling behind are quickly identified and supported with daily 'keep-up' sessions.
-
Formal assessments are carried out every half term using the Little Wandle assessment tracker.
Phonics Screening Check
-
All children in Year 1 take the national Phonics Screening Check in the summer term.
-
If children do not meet the expected standard, they re-sit the check in Year 2.
Ongoing Assessment
-
In Years 2 to 6, children who need further phonics support are assessed through a mix of ongoing classroom observation and half-termly assessments, and they continue with targeted support where needed.
Supporting Your Child with Phonics at Home
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting phonics learning. We encourage you to access the helpful resources provided by Little Wandle, including:
-
Reception and Year 1 phonics overviews
-
Videos showing correct sound pronunciation
-
Letter formation guides
-
Tips for reading with your child at home