Our Systematic, Synthetic Phonics Programme is ‘Read Write Inc’ and this is taught from Nursery-Year 2. The pupils who are working on phonics read high-quality phonically decodable books that target their respective phase sounds. For those who need targeted support outside of normal phonics provision (whether that be in KS1 or further up in KS2), we also use Read Write Inc.

We recognise that the teaching of reading involves both teaching decoding through phonics and the teaching of comprehension. We know that the basis for good teaching of reading starts with Early Reading.

In EYFS, we ensure there is high-quality talk in a language-rich environment and that motivation for reading is high through reading engaging and well-chosen texts. Quality discussion of books with the children supports the acquisition of children’s vocabulary and speaking and listening is modelled carefully with a real emphasis on partner talk. Books are deliberately read and re-read to allow words to be committed to memory and to encourage fluency and deeper connections with the stories. Children enjoy the dedicated story times and welcoming, themed book corners which are designed to be inviting as we look to build habits of reading for pleasure from the pupils’ earliest experiences at Elmgrove.

In KS1, the children will read to an adult at least once a week in school and take books home to read with their family. Pupils take home a colour banded book and a phonically decodable book if they are working on phonic phases. These will sometimes be allocated on Bug Club or may be hard copies.

All the children across Key Stage 1 also have access to Reading Eggs through which the teachers may set lessons or encourage the children to complete work. The programme adapts accordingly with the pupils’ growing skills and supports our home-school relationship in working together to improve pupil’s reading. Some New to English Speakers and targeted pupils also have access to this in KS2.

Pupils in Year 1 are also taught Daily Supported Reading, which is focused on high-quality texts and ensures sustained, independent reading opportunities with a focus on fluency. Over time, the pupils get to read over 70 texts across the year pitched to their independent reading level through work on DSR. In Year 2, vocabulary and reading comprehension skills are explicitly taught through discrete reading lessons in preparation for the KS1 SATs and ahead of their transition into KS2.

In KS2, the children from Years 3-5 complete Destination Reader lessons. Destination Reader is pedagogical based approach to teaching reading through engaging daily, structured sessions that support children to read with greater understanding, enjoyment and purpose. Destination Reader pulls together all the strands that comprise good comprehension. In Year 6, the teaching and learning builds upon all the knowledge acquired in the preceding years and pupils apply this in preparation for the KS2 SATs.

Lower Key Stage 2 Destination 2 Bookmark

Upper Key Stage 2 Destination Reader Bookmark

All the pupils in KS2 also have access to ‘Bug Club’ which supports their reading and provides a wide range of both genres and authors for them to read. Year 6 also have access to iHub provided by First News, which develops reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary and oracy skills, whilst also giving them the opportunity to learn about the main news stories from around the world.

The pupils in KS2 (including Year 2) also have access to Accelerated Reader, through which they complete quizzes on the books they have read each week at home, in the library or from the book corners. Accelerated Reader assists pupils with reading skills and represents a consistent means by which we assess the pupils’ progress in reading. We are also fortunate to have our ‘Early English Speakers’ in KS2 supported by our EAL specialist.

Children across the school visit the school library at least once a week to choose two books to read both in school and at home. One is intended for pleasure and the other pitched at the level that is appropriate to the pupil. The books in the library are well organised and the librarian is skilled in directing the children to an appropriate range of reading material for their age and reading ability where appropriate. We encourage and enjoy reading aloud to children at Elmgrove too (and children reading aloud too with KS2 learning poetry off-by-heart). High quality texts from our well-resourced book corners are shared each day, all of which can be seen celebrated outside the classroom entrances.

We are committed to embedding a love for reading and providing our pupils with the best start at Elmgrove. Please see below for some good advice on how to help your child further:

Oxford Owl Top Tips

In the EYFS at Elmgrove, we value the importance of the characteristics of effective learning which underpin the teaching of the prime areas of learning of which, the development of the ‘speaking and listening skills’ of our children form a vital part of their ability to develop both their reading and writing skills as they progress through the school. If you would like more information on these areas please click on the link below:

Development Matters 

The EYFS curriculum at Elmgrove is designed to reflect the needs and interests of the children and provide opportunities for them to read and write both formally and informally. Phonics is taught formally from the beginning of Reception and the children are placed on the reading scheme when they have acquired the basic skills necessary to begin to sound out simple words.

Please talk to your children at home using sentences and read to them every day. This will help them to become enthusiastic readers who have the vocabulary to become independent writers.

The children in Reception are assessed using Development Matters. You are welcome to talk to your child’s teacher at any time if you have any concerns about their progress. You will also have the opportunity to attend a number of workshops during the year which will provide ideas on to how you can help your child at home.

At the end of Reception, your child will be assessed against the Early Learning Goals and you will receive a copy of this as part of your child’s end of year report.

In the summer term in Year 1, your child will be given a phonic skills assessment which will inform you if your child is able to use their phonic skills at the level expected by the end of Year 1. You will be able to attend a phonic workshop during the first term in Year 1 which will provide ideas on how to help your child at home.

It is important that you say the sounds correctly to help your child. Please click the link below to find out how to say the sounds correctly. Also included is a link to how children learn phonics. Please click the link to see how this is tailored to our school.

Phonics Made Easy

How Children Learn Phonics

At the end of Year 2, your child will sit a test in reading comprehension that tests their understanding of both fiction and non-fiction. The grammar, punctuation and spelling paper is now optional; we will inform you if the children are to take this test.. Their writing will also be assessed. You will be able to discuss these assessments with your child’s class teacher during the year. You will receive a copy of the results as part of your child’s end of year report.

If you would like more information on the tests please click on the link below:

TESTS

At the end of Year 6, all children will sit the following tests in relation to English:

• Reading comprehension
• Spelling
• Punctuation and grammar
• Writing (not a formal test; this is assessed by the teachers)

You will receive a copy of your child’s results at the end of the summer term. A copy of your child’s results will also be sent to the Local Authority and to your child’s high school. High schools often use these results to set the children into ability groups and to predict their GCSE results.

Your child’s class teacher will let you know what the children need to practise at home at our regular parent meetings. Please speak to your child’s class teacher if you are unsure of what your child needs to learn.

If you would like more information on the tests please click on the link below:

TESTS