Phonics

At Bursledon Federation early reading is a priority and we highly value it as a life skill. It is part of our culture, not ‘just a lesson' and as a result we are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become life long readers. We genuinely believe that reading unlocks the doors to the rest of the curriculum and lifelong learning. We have a vigorous programme of phonics within a broad and language rich curriculum. Practically this looks like short, discrete daily sessions at a brisk pace. From an Early Years starting point we adapt to children’s interests by providing multi-sensory activities paired with stimulating resources. We use positive praise to support pupils in recognising their own success which helps to nurture a love of reading. We have fidelity to the programme developed by the Springhill English Hub and our phonics lead continues to monitor and support coaching for all staff to ensure they are experts of phonics, supported by our recent work with the English Hub at Springhill. The English Hub promotes a love of reading and has helped us to provide excellent teaching in phonics and early language. They have helped us to focus on supporting all children to ensure every child is successful, regardless of background, needs or abilities.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 discrete phonics lessons are taught. Children are grouped according to the phase they are working at. All of our staff have received phonics training from the English Hub to ensure they promote excellent progress for children of all abilities. All children participate in speaking, listening and spelling activities that are matched to their developing needs. Children work through the different phases, learning and developing their phonics sounds and knowledge. All children also take part in Guided Group Reading sessions with their teacher and support staff. In Key Stage two this is further underpinned by whole class additional reading comprehension lessons.

Intervention is planned for any children who are working below expected levels. Any children who still need phonics teaching in Key Stage 2 take part in a dedicated intervention programme to enable them to make progress.

Reading is not a ‘one size fits all approach’ however it is adapted and focused to ensure all learners, no matter of their starting points, make progress.

The grid below illustrates where we would expect children to be working at each stage of the academic year.
Although this is the expectation, we understand that children develop at different speeds and this is taken into account using streamed phonics groups in each year group.