01642 861911KS1 Phonics and Reading
Phonics
At Newport Primary School, we use the Sounds-Write phonics programme to teach early reading and spelling in Reception and Key Stage 1.
Sounds-Write is a structured, evidence-informed approach to phonics that teaches children how the sounds in spoken language are represented in written words. Through daily phonics lessons, pupils develop the essential skills needed for successful reading and spelling, including:
- Blending sounds to read words fluently
- Segmenting words into sounds for spelling
- Recognising and using common spelling patterns
- Developing phonemic awareness and phoneme manipulation skills
- Building reading confidence, accuracy and fluency
Lessons are carefully sequenced to ensure that children build their knowledge progressively and apply their learning across the curriculum. Regular assessment enables staff to identify pupils who may require additional support and provide timely intervention to help them keep up with their peers.
To ensure continuity and support for all learners, several members of staff in Key Stage 2 are trained in Sounds-Write and deliver targeted phonics interventions for pupils who require additional support with reading and spelling.
Further information about the Sounds-Write programme can be found on their website: https://www.sounds-write.co.uk
Reading
We are passionate about developing confident, fluent readers and fostering a lifelong love of reading. Reading is at the heart of our curriculum, and we provide pupils with access to a wide range of high-quality texts that reflect different interests, backgrounds and reading abilities.
To ensure that every child has access to books that meet their individual needs, we draw upon a variety of recognised reading schemes rather than relying on a single programme. These include:
- Oxford Reading Tree
- Songbirds Phonics
- Collins Big Cat
- Rigby Star
- TreeTops
- Project X
In Reception and Key Stage 1, pupils primarily access Sounds-Write and Dandelion Readers, which are closely matched to the phonics knowledge they are learning in class. Additional texts may also be provided to broaden reading experiences and support individual development.
Pupils in Key Stage 2 who are participating in phonics intervention programmes will also take home carefully matched Sounds-Write reading books to reinforce learning and build confidence.
Digital Reading Resources
To further support reading development both in school and at home, pupils have access to a range of digital reading resources and interventions, including:
- Reading Plus
- Teach Your Monster to Read
- Nessy Reading and Spelling
These resources help to develop reading fluency, comprehension, spelling and vocabulary, while providing engaging opportunities for pupils to practise and apply their skills.
