Open mornings for Reception 2027 joiners: 16/11/2026, 7/01/2027. Please contact office@stmichaelsce.co.uk or call 01344 622962 to book onto these visits, organise an ad hoc tour or discuss a possible in-year transfer.
Open mornings for Reception 2027 joiners: 16/11/2026, 7/01/2027. Please contact office@stmichaelsce.co.uk or call 01344 622962 to book onto these visits, organise an ad hoc tour or discuss a possible in-year transfer.
St Michael's CofE Primary School

English (Phonics)

Phonics at St Michael’s

Intent

At St Michael’s C of E Primary School, we aim to equip every child with secure phonic knowledge so they can learn to read and write confidently. Children develop the skills to decode unfamiliar words, read books matched to their phonic knowledge and apply phonics when spelling and writing independently.

Through systematic phonics teaching, we aim to develop confident readers who can access the wider curriculum and develop a lifelong love of reading. This supports our school vision, “Creating a community where we learn together through: respect, kindness, curiosity and faith,” by enabling every child to learn, flourish and develop their independence.

Implementation

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, phonics is taught systematically through the Read Write Inc. programme. Half-termly assessments ensure children are grouped according to their needs and make appropriate progress. Targeted interventions are provided where additional support is needed.

Staff receive training and coaching to ensure consistent, high-quality teaching. Children take home familiar and unfamiliar books closely matched to their phonic knowledge, enabling them to practise and apply their skills. In Key Stage 1, a linked spelling programme reinforces phonics and its application to spelling.

In Key Stage 2, children who require further phonics teaching continue to access Read Write Inc. and appropriately matched reading books. Speed sound charts are displayed in classrooms and used to support learning.

Impact

Children develop confidence in applying their phonic knowledge to decode words, read with increasing fluency and spell unfamiliar words. Closely matched books help children experience reading success, build motivation and develop positive reading habits.

Progress is monitored through regular assessment and the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. This informs teaching and ensures that children receive appropriate support to develop their reading and spelling skills.

We aspire for our pupils to:

  • Read fluently at an age-appropriate level to access the wider curriculum.

  • Develop a lifelong love of reading, reading widely and often with fluency and comprehension.

  • Make good progress in phonics, reading and spelling.

  • Achieve well at relevant EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 assessment points.

  • Develop the phonic knowledge needed to meet the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.

Read Write Inc. – A guide for parents

Read Write Inc. is a popular phonics scheme. Like all phonics schemes, it teaches children the sounds in English, the letters that represent them, and how to form the letters when writing. Read Write Inc. Phonics includes reading books written using only the letters they have learnt at each level (and a small number of separately taught tricky words). The children will quickly feel confident and successful. The programme is introduced in Reception and will continue to be taught into Year 2.

The following links provide further information about the programme and how parents can support their children to develop a life long love of reading and writing:

https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/parents/#lg=1&slide=5

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/tips-and-advice/reading-tips/how-to-read-with-your-child/