How is phonics taught at Astwood Bank Primary School?
Our school uses the Twinkl Phonics scheme of work to teach systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) to all children in reception and key stage 1. Twinkl Phonics is a complete SSP that meets the DfE criteria for an effective scheme, making it a Government validated programme.
We chose this programme because it allows our teachers to meet the needs of every individual child. Our teachers are given the autonomy needed to adapt their lessons to fit every child. We understand how fidelity to a scheme is important, but we also promote flexibility and allow our teachers to choose what’s best for their class.
Useful links
Year 1 phonics screening check
The phonics screening check is a check of your child’s phonics knowledge. It helps your school confirm whether your child is making the progress expected in the national curriculum. With some exceptions, all pupils who have reached the age of 6 by the end of the school year must take the check during that academic year, including those in maintained nursery schools. For most pupils, this will be in year 1.
STA Information for Parents 2024
Reading and Literacy
We aim to develop confident, fluent readers and foster a lifelong love of reading. Our approach to teaching reading is closely aligned with national guidance and best practice.
We follow the Department for Education’s Reading Framework: Teaching the Foundations of Literacy, which provides evidence-informed guidance for schools on effective reading provision.
This guidance emphasises:
- The importance of systematic synthetic phonics in early reading
- The development of language comprehension and vocabulary
- Building reading fluency and understanding over time
- Encouraging a love of reading through high-quality texts and reading experiences
The Reading Framework supports schools in meeting expectations set out in the national curriculum, EYFS framework and Ofsted inspection framework.
Through this approach, we ensure that all pupils, including those who need additional support, are given the best possible opportunity to succeed as readers.
