English - Phonics

At Maple Grove Primary School, we prioritise the foundations of reading and writing. We believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading using Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. We intend that all children leave Maple Grove as fluent readers with a developed interest in words and language, and a passion for reading broadly for pleasure and knowledge.

Children’s phonics journeys begin in Nursery with Phase 1, where the focus is on developing speaking and listening skills and moves through a sequential progression which clearly maps the children’s growing knowledge and alphabetic code.

Our phonics lessons are incorporated into daily learning, but we also go beyond that by providing opportunities throughout the curriculum to reinforce phonics teaching. This approach helps children to apply what they've learned and make relevant connections to their lives.

Phonics and early reading policy

What are Phonics?

Phonics helps children learn to read and spell by teaching them how to break words into sounds (segmenting) and blend sounds. It also teaches the alphabetic code—how letters and groups of letters represent sounds in spoken English. Spoken English uses around 42 sounds (phonemes), represented by letters or letter groups (graphemes). For example, the sound /s/ is written as ‘s’, and /th/ as ‘th’. Children quickly learn to use these letters in reading and spelling words, starting with simple combinations like ‘sat’, ‘pin’, and ‘tap’. Our reading books follow the same sequence, so children can practise what they learn in class.

Nursery – During this phase, there is an emphasis on helping children attune to the sounds around them, laying the foundations for Phase 2 in Reception. This is developed through sharing a range of high-quality stories and poems, learning a range of nursery rhymes and activities to support listening and attention skills (including oral blending)

Reception/Year 1 lessons are 30 minutes a day, during which teachers revisit and review previously taught phonemes, teach and practice new phonemes, and apply them through activities such as oral blending, reading, and spelling.

Additional practice is given daily to children who need it, but in smaller steps with more repetition, so that every child secures their learning.

Daily phonics is also timetabled for children in Year 2 and above based on placement assessments on entry to the year group or when a child joins Maple Grove School. This is to ensure that no child falls behind and reaches their goal of reading fluently.

Little Wandle phonics programme and progression overview

Supporting your child with reading

Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a significant impact on their reading journey by continuing their practice at home.

Videos to support your child's reading.

Supporting your child with reading at home

How to use a wordless book at home with your child

Reading to every child - support for children with SEND

There are two types of reading books that your child may bring home:

A reading practice book. This will be at the correct phonics stage for your child. They should be able to read this fluently and independently.
A shared book. Your child will not be able to read this on their own. This book is for you both to read and enjoy together.

Reading practice book

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level. If your child is reading it with little help, please don’t worry that it’s too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading.

Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they can’t read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Sharing book

To encourage your child to become a lifelong reader, they must learn to read for pleasure. The shared book is a book they have chosen for you to enjoy together.

Please remember that you shouldn’t expect your child to read this alone. Please read it to or with them. Discuss the pictures, enjoy the story, predict what might happen next, use different voices for the characters, and explore the facts in a non-fiction book. The main thing is that you have fun!

How to say

Children must pronounce the sounds correctly. To help you support your child at home, please visit the “How to Say the Sounds” videos using the links below.

Phase 2 sounds taught in Reception Autumn 1

Phase 2 sounds taught in Reception Autumn 2

Phase 3 sounds taught in Reception Spring 1

How to say Phase 5 sounds

These three videos show you how to pronounce the sounds. Notice how the children don’t add an ‘uh’ sound at the end, so they say: ‘t’ not ‘tuh’.

Handwriting

While the primary focus of phonics lessons is learning sounds and how they link to letters, we also include letter formation. This helps children connect the letter's shape to the sound it represents.

When children learn a new sound, they also learn how to write the letter correctly using simple formation phrases. This supports both reading and writing skills.

If a child struggles with forming letters correctly, we provide extra practice or teach handwriting in a separate, focused lesson. Handwriting is taught clearly and step-by-step to ensure children develop neat, accurate writing.

Use the downloadable information below to help your child remember how to write their letters and say their sounds.

How is Phonics assessed?

Phonics is assessed continuously during phonics lessons when your child reads and through a half-termly assessment. This helps teachers identify and plan for the children’s next steps to ensure they progress.

What is the Phonics Screening Check?

There is a National Phonics Screening Check in Year 1 (in June) where the children have to read 20 actual words and 20 ‘alien’ words (described below) containing sounds from Phases Two to Five. This is conducted in a very child-friendly way by the class teachers. At the end of Year 1, you will be informed if your child has met the threshold score for the check. If they have not met the threshold, they will be given additional support in Year 2 to enable them to complete it.

Guide to phonics screening

Video link to a guide to Alien Words and Tricky words.

Click the links below for guides on tricky words.

Tricky words Phases 2 Tricky words Phases 3

Tricky words Phases 4 Tricky words Phases 5