How well do we teach phonics from the start at St Erme with Trispen?
Phonics and Early Reading
At St Erme with Trispen, we give children a strong start in reading through a systematic synthetic phonics programme, Read Write Inc. (RWI).
Children begin learning letter sounds as soon as they start Reception, following baseline assessments in communication, language and literacy to identify any additional needs. Phonics is taught through a structured, daily approach, with sounds introduced in a specific order and regular assessments used to inform teaching, planning and interventions.
Children progress through three stages of learning:
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Set 1 Speed Sounds
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Set 2 Speed Sounds
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Set 3 Speed Sounds
As children move on to Set 2, they typically learn two or three new sounds each week.
To reinforce learning at home, children take home phonics sheets linked to the sounds taught in school, a decodable reading book to practise familiar sounds and red words, and a closely matched Book Bag Book to develop their reading further. Rereading familiar books helps build fluency, confidence and enjoyment.
Working in partnership with parents
We support parents to help their children with early reading through:
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Information and resources shared at the Transition to School meeting.
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A further meeting once Reception children have started school, focusing on how to support phonics learning at home.
