Phonics
At The Grange, phonics is the foundation of early reading and writing. We are determined that every child will learn to read accurately, fluently and with confidence, so that they can access the full curriculum and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Our approach to phonics is systematic, consistent and evidence-based, ensuring all pupils — including those with SEND or additional needs — receive high-quality teaching and timely support.
Phonics at The Grange is systematic, consistent and highly effective. Daily RWI teaching, matched decodable books and responsive assessment ensure pupils learn to read quickly and securely, with swift support for those who need it.
Intent
Our phonics curriculum is designed so that all pupils:
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Develop secure phonological awareness and decoding skills
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Learn to blend sounds accurately to read words with confidence
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Apply phonics knowledge to become fluent readers
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Use phonics to support accurate spelling and early writing
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Build strong foundations for comprehension and wider literacy
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Experience success and enjoyment in learning to read
We use Read Write Inc. (RWI) because it is a well-sequenced, systematic programme that aligns closely with the National Curriculum and the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF). Our aim is that the vast majority of pupils meet or exceed the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, and that any pupils who do not are supported to catch up quickly.
Phonics is not taught in isolation — it is closely connected to reading, writing, spelling and oracy across the curriculum.
Implementation
Daily, systematic teaching (RWI)
From the start of Reception, phonics is taught daily using the Read Write Inc. programme. Lessons are:
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Carefully sequenced and cumulative
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Highly structured and consistent
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Multi-sensory and engaging
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Explicit in teaching grapheme–phoneme correspondence
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Focused on oral blending, segmenting and accurate decoding
Children read fully decodable books that are closely matched to their current phonics knowledge, including RWI texts and phonics-aligned Oxford Reading Tree books. This ensures success, fluency and confidence.
Flexible grouping and assessment
Pupils are assessed regularly using RWI assessment tools. Teaching groups are flexible and adjusted quickly to ensure:
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Rapid progress
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Appropriate challenge
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Immediate support where needed
No child is allowed to fall behind.
Phonics and early writing
Phonics is integrated with early writing. Children learn to:
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Segment words for spelling
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Use ‘Fred Fingers’ to support accurate spelling
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Apply phonics through dictation and sentence work
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Develop secure letter formation alongside sound knowledge
This strengthens both reading and writing from the earliest stages.
Beyond Key Stage 1
For pupils who still need phonics support in KS2, phonics is reinforced through targeted intervention. Where appropriate, Toe by Toe may be used as a structured, short-term, one-to-one programme to support decoding and transcription.
Home–school partnership
We work closely with parents and carers by:
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Sharing guidance on how phonics is taught
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Providing decodable reading books for home
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Communicating progress clearly
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Offering strategies to support learning at home
Assessment and intervention
Assessment is continuous and purposeful:
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Regular RWI assessments inform teaching and grouping
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Year 1 Phonics Screening Check provides a statutory benchmark
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Ongoing formative assessment identifies pupils who need extra support
Where pupils are at risk of falling behind, we provide targeted, time-limited intervention that is reviewed for impact.
Impact
Because of our systematic approach to phonics:
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Children learn to read accurately and with increasing fluency
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Pupils develop confidence as early readers
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Most pupils meet the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
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Struggling readers are identified early and supported effectively
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Pupils are well prepared for the transition from phonics to independent reading
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Strong phonics underpins success in spelling, writing and comprehension
By the end of Key Stage 1, pupils can decode unfamiliar words with confidence, and by Key Stage 2 they read fluently, allowing them to focus on meaning, vocabulary and enjoyment.
Useful Phonics Websites
https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-schemes-oxford-levels/read-write-inc-phonics-guide/
www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/shows/alphablocks
www.ictgames.com/mobilePage/forestPhonics/index.html
