Phonics

At Astley School we want all children to become accurate, fluent and expressive readers who understand every word they read. This is because reading is the key that opens up all other learning. We use ‘Read Write Inc’, which a method of learning to read and spell centred around letter sounds.

In Reception children are introduced to Set 1 sounds (starting with letters of the alphabet). This allows them to decode words using ‘Fred Talk’ where they sound out each letter and blend these together to read the word.  

Alongside learning these sounds, the children will read carefully structured stories featuring the words they can sound out. Discussion about the story facilitates sound understanding, ensuring reading is both fun and purposeful.

Children then progress to Set 2 and Set 3 sounds (44 sounds in total). A sound associated with a group of letters is taught which the children then use to ‘Fred Talk’ an increasingly complex range of words. Each sound has a picture prompt making early learning memorable.

Stories continue to be introduced to the children that reinforce the sounds they have been learning and enable them to read with confidence and success.

Further Information

If you would like to find out more about the Read Write Inc phonics programme and how to support your child at home, please visit the following links:

• Read Write Inc Parent Guide (Oxford Owl)
• Parent Videos and Support (Ruth Miskin)

These resources provide helpful guidance on how phonics is taught in school and how you can support your child’s reading at home.

Your child will also have regular videos sent home via seesaw to support their phonics learning.