Phonics and Early Reading

7

Ofsted February 2024

Most pupils are taught to read. The phonics programme is taught effectively by well-trained staff. Information from ongoing assessments informs bespoke group work and additional support. As they progress through the school, pupils learn to communicate their thoughts and needs clearly. Those for whom teaching reading is appropriate become increasingly confident and fluent readers.

Read Write Inc Phonics

At John Chilton School, we use a synthetic phonics programme called ‘Read Write Inc’ produced by Ruth Miskin. Read Write Inc is a method of learning letter sounds and blending them together to read and write words. As part of this, children have daily phonics sessions in small groups where they participate in speaking, listening and spelling activities that are matched to their developing needs. The teachers draw upon observations and continuous assessment to ensure children are stretched and challenged and to identify children who may need additional support. Children work through the different phases, learning and developing their phonics sounds and knowledge.

Understanding Phonics

Parent Video – What is Read Write Inc Phonics

Parent Video – Why read to your child?

Pupils will also be able to access learning materials and ebooks on the Oxford Owl website – click here and here 

In the primary department we will continue to use the Oxford Reading Tree scheme to ensure that pupils are exposed to a wider range of reading materials.

In the secondary department of John Chilton School, Bedrock Learning, an online vocabulary programme has been implemented to support pupils’ acquisition and learning of words. Pupils in the Purple and Red Phase 3 and 4 classes have been accessing this tool regularly since the spring term. Each pupil has an online account that is set to their appropriate level.

Pupils are given challenge words introduced through a passage of text. There are following questions and activities to help pupils embed their understanding of these words. Activities include finding synonyms and antonyms of words, word associations, or using the word in a sentence.

Pupils are able to complete tasks both in and out of school, as long as they have internet access. In fact, pupils are encouraged to access Bedrock Learning for home learning. Many of the activities are narrated, so headphones are recommended.

A tracker of vocabulary words that pupils are learning and have learned are generated to record pupils’ understanding. Teachers are able to monitor pupils’ progress through weekly reviews that Bedrock Learning conducts – click here.