We recognise that early reading is the foundation for all future learning. Our Early Reading and Phonics curriculum is designed to ensure that every child develops the knowledge and skills needed to become a confident, fluent reader as quickly as possible. We are committed to providing a consistent, high-quality approach to phonics that meets the needs of pupils within our mixed-age classes and supports all learners, regardless of starting point.

Phonics is taught systematically and explicitly using Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. Daily phonics lessons enable pupils to build secure knowledge of phonemes and graphemes, develop accurate blending and segmenting skills, and apply these confidently in reading and writing. Teaching is carefully sequenced and follows a clear progression, ensuring that new learning builds securely on what pupils already know.

Regular assessment is integral to our phonics provision. Ongoing checks allow staff to quickly identify pupils who need additional support, with targeted interventions delivered promptly to ensure that no child falls behind. Reading practice books are closely matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge so that children experience success, build fluency and develop confidence as readers.

In our mixed-age classes, phonics teaching is carefully organised to ensure pupils receive instruction appropriate to their stage of development. Prior learning is revisited regularly, and opportunities are provided for pupils to consolidate and apply their phonics knowledge across the curriculum. Strong links are made between phonics, early writing and reading comprehension to support children in becoming confident and independent readers.

Our Early Reading and Phonics curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:

• develop secure knowledge of phonemes and graphemes

• blend sounds accurately to read words and segment sounds to support spelling

• read decodable texts with increasing fluency and confidence

• develop positive attitudes towards reading from the earliest stages

• make rapid progress so they are well prepared for the transition from learning to read to reading to learn

Through high expectations, consistent teaching and timely support, we aim to ensure that every child develops strong early reading skills and a secure foundation for lifelong learning.