Our Approach to Phonics and Reading

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1) Phonics strategy

At Broomgrove Infant School we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme.

We start teaching phonics in Reception and follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.

Our focus on Early Reading is clear throughout the school, with all year groups enjoying reading practise groups throughout the week. The children are taught to decode, read with prosody and develop their answers to comprehension questions.

The children have access to a reading corner in every classroom and regular trips to the school library to change their books for pleasure.

All the adults model reading for pleasure as we deliver a weekly "Story time assembly". In this assembly a member of the teaching team will read a story to the children, drawing out themes, links to special events or celebrations.

Parents can support this work at home and have access to the Little Wandle website here For parents | Letters and Sounds (littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk)

Our Approach to Writing

Writing is taught throughout all subjects, giving children chance to embed their skills in a variety of ways.

At Broomgrove Infant School we use the Talk4Writing approach to writing. We use this method of delivery of writing lessons as we believe this with aid our children with their speaking and listening skills. It will enhance their story telling skills and as they internalise stories they will be able to use skills and techniques in their own creative writing.

Please check the class pages for examples of the student's work as the term progresses!

Reception and Year 1 are taught non cursive font which will continue when they reach Year 1 in line with the current guidance.  The children will be taught cursive writing when they reach Year 2. 

During the day there are many opportunities to practise neat, well formed letters. Where a child needs additional support we will offer a wide range of interventions to support them.

During Little Wandle lessons in reception, the children are taught ways to remember the letter formations. These formations are clearly modelled to the children with a tripod grip. Children in reception have access to a wide variety of writing tools- pens, pencils, chalks and crayons. Outside the children also can write using water or chalks on the black boards as well as clipboards with pens and paper!