West Denton Primary School, children are introduced to a love of books from their very first day in Nursery. Sharing high quality picture books at home and in school helps them enjoy stories, build vocabulary and understand the world around them. Children who follow the Read Write Inc. phonics programme take home a picture book each week for families to enjoy together.

As children begin to read independently, they take home phonetically decodable Book Bag Books that match their current phonics knowledge. These books are selected through half‑termly assessments to ensure every child is reading at the right level.  Parents and carers are encouraged to communicate with staff through the home school reading record.

Our Phonics Programme

The school uses the Read Write Inc. programme, a structured and systematic approach to phonics teaching that is widely used across the UK. It supports children in becoming fluent readers, confident speakers and enthusiastic writers. Synthetic phonics, recommended by the Government, teaches children to recognise sounds and blend them to read words.

Children are taught by trained staff who assess them regularly and group them according to their stage of learning. Through Read Write Inc., they learn the 44 sounds, practise blending and read a range of fiction and non‑fiction texts matched to their phonics level.  They also develop comprehension skills by discussing what they have read.

Reading through Read Write Inc. includes:

• Learning the 44 sounds and the letter groups that represent them

• Blending sounds to read words (Fred Talk)

• Reading books that match their phonics level

• Answering questions to show understanding

Writing through Read Write Inc. includes:

• Forming letters using memorable phrases

• Spelling words by segmenting sounds (Fred Fingers)

Talking through Read Write Inc. includes:

• Working with a partner

• Taking turns speaking and listening

• Giving each other positive praise

Supporting Reading at Home

Parents can support reading at home by helping children blend sounds smoothly to read words such as c‑a‑t or sh‑o‑p. Encouraging children to say pure sounds quickly and then blend them helps build fluency.

Children who are learning single letter sounds and are not yet blending fluently will bring home sound books. As they progress, they will bring home blending books, ditty sheets and then Read Write Inc storybooks carefully matched to their reading stage.

Moving On from Phonics

Once children become confident, fluent readers and no longer need the Read Write Inc. phonics programme, they begin choosing from the school’s extensive library.  These levelled books, using the Accelerated Reader programme, offer a wide range of fiction and non‑fiction texts that support children’s continued reading development and encourage them to read for pleasure. Children select books matched to their reading level and complete short quizzes to strengthen comprehension and build confidence.

Our Phonics Lead

Phonics at West Denton Primary School is led by Carol Knowles.  If you have any questions about phonics or early reading, please contact the school office who will be happy to help.