At Hillside Avenue Primary School, we use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds to support every child in becoming a fluent and confident reader. In Nursery, children are introduced to pre-reading skills through Phase 1 activities, before beginning formal phonics lessons in the second week of Reception.

Children are taught in groups according to their needs, allowing for smaller, focused phonics sessions. Assessments take place every six weeks, and the data is carefully analysed to ensure that children are placed in the most appropriate group and to identify any pupils who may require additional support.

Each phonics lesson includes opportunities to review previously taught sounds and apply learning through reading and writing activities. Children also take part in additional reading practice sessions within their phonics groups, enabling them to apply their phonics knowledge using fully decodable books matched to their stage of learning.

Children bring home a reading book that is carefully matched to their phonics phase or, for children in Year 1 and above, a banded book appropriate to their reading level. We encourage parents and carers to read regularly with their child at home and to record this in their reading record.

Formal phonics teaching continues throughout Reception and Year 1. Any child who does not meet the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check will receive additional support in Year 2 and beyond to ensure they continue to develop their reading skills and make good progress.