Early Reading and Phonics

Curriculum Intent 

At Lanchester Primary School, our intent is to develop skilled, confident, and enthusiastic readers through the implementation of the Read Write Inc. Phonics (RWI) programme. Our goal is to teach children to read effectively and quickly by focusing on synthetic phonics, sight vocabulary, decoding and encoding words, as well as spelling and accurate letter formation. Our commitment to the core values of being Ready, Respectful, and Resilient underpins every aspect of our phonics teaching.

• Ready: We prepare each child for success by providing a structured and systematic approach to phonics. The RWI programme introduces children to the 44 common sounds in the English language, beginning with the Set 1 sounds. Through this step-by-step method, children become confident in blending these sounds to decode words, building a solid foundation for both reading and writing. By setting high expectations, we equip children not only for early reading success but also for broader curriculum engagement, fostering a readiness to engage in and enjoy all areas of learning.
• Respectful: We cultivate a respectful learning environment where each child’s phonics journey is valued and supported. Through regular assessments, we place children in small, ability-matched groups, respecting their individual learning needs and ensuring they are taught at a pace that supports them. As children progress, they read texts aligned closely with their current phonics knowledge, respecting their individual pathways to success. This personalised approach empowers children to respect themselves as readers and nurtures a sense of respect for the learning journeys of their peers.
• Resilient: The RWI programme at Lanchester fosters resilience by encouraging children to persevere as they master challenging sounds, graphemes, and words. Through carefully structured lessons and regular practice in reading fluently and expressively, children build both confidence and resilience. They learn that overcoming obstacles is part of their growth as readers, allowing them to tackle increasingly complex texts with assurance. As they encounter new vocabulary and reading challenges, they strengthen their resilience, preparing them for continued success throughout their education and beyond.