Early Reading

At Gillas Lane, we are passionate about ensuring every child becomes a confident, fluent reader who develops a genuine love of books. Early reading is the foundation of our curriculum, and high‑quality phonics teaching is central to this.

Phonics

We use the Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics programme to teach early reading across Reception and Key Stage 1 (and into Key Stage 2 where additional support is needed). The programme provides a consistent, rigorous approach that enables children to learn the sounds they need for reading and writing. We work closely with the English Hub and Read Write Inc. consultants, who provide regular support and challenge to ensure our practice remains strong and effective. 

 

From their very first days at Gillas Lane, children begin daily RWI sessions. They learn to recognise and read sounds, blend sounds together to read words, segment words to support early spelling and form letters correctly using RWI handwriting phrases.

 

Daily lessons build on prior knowledge and introduce new sounds in a structured, systematic sequence. Children read books that are carefully matched to the sounds they know, helping them develop fluency and comprehension.

image

 

Phonics in Early Years:

  • We introduce the sound pictures in the summer term of Nursery. Some of our children do not know the words for the images, so we teach them these in order to start Reception phonics on the right foot!
  • We start teaching Reception as a whole class from the very first week.
  • We assess our Reception children at Autumn half term and group them in homogenous groups according to ability
  • Children play Fred Games throughout the day to support with developing their blending skills
  • We identify intervention groups and assign 1:1 tutoring to those children who need that extra support to stay on track
  • We teach the children correct letter formation using RWI handwriting phrases

 

 

Phonics in Key Stage One: 

  • We assess all children in the Summer term so we can start our phonics teaching from the very first day back
  • Children access a Speed Sounds and Reading lesson, then have a 45 minute English lesson based on reading or writing each day
  • We identify children for Fast Track phonics intervention
  • We identify a focus group that needs that extra support to be in line with ARE
  • We dedicate support staff time to 1:1 Fast Track Tutoring

 

 

Phonics in Key Stage Two: 

  • We ensure children working below ARE are included in phonics sessions and are grouped appropriately for English lessons
  • We aim to move any KS2 children off the programme and into the age-related PoS as quickly as possible
  • We ensure children are supported by Fast Track Tutoring intervention in addition to their daily phonics session
  • We assess children using half-termly RWI assessments
  • We complete termly assessments using past PSCs
image

Training and Coaching:

  • All staff from EYFS to Year 6 have completed Speed Sounds training to ensure they understand the basics of systematic synthetic phonics and are able to use it in their teaching
  • Our RWI coach supports staff in their classroom on a weekly basis using live coaching - we know how important it is to make group teaching the highest quality it can be so fewer children fall behind
  • Our RWI coach identifies a focus area to train and develop staff each week
  • The RWI Portal is used to share key training videos with key staff
  • Westgarth English Hub have previously supported the school to analyse data and support and challenge practice in line with the RWI programme
  • Our RWI consultant visits school to offer leadership, teacher and intervention support

 

Assessment:

  • Children are assessed every half term using the online assessment portal
  • Children are informally assessed more often to ensure aggressive placement in the highest group possible
  • Spotlight children are identified by the teacher each lesson to ensure lower achievers are targeted

 

Beyond RWI:

  • The RWI Spelling programme is used from Year 2 - Year 6 to ensure continuity and progression
  • Spelling Speed Sounds charts are displayed in every classroom
  • Guided Reading lessons begin when the children are ready

 

Parent Involvement:

Parents play a vital role in early reading. We regularly share guidance and videos to help families feel confident supporting phonics at home.

image

You can support your child by:

  • Practising the pure sounds (use the QR code below to view the official RWI pronunciation video)
  • Listening to your child read their Phonics Book and Book Bag Book several times across the week
  • Encouraging re‑reading to build fluency
  • Sharing stories together to develop vocabulary and imagination
  • Accessing virtual classroom at home

 

image
image