The Phonics programme at St Barts

At St Bart’s we believe that all our children can become fluent readers. We teach phonics using the Read Write Inc scheme (RWI). RWI is a comprehensive and systematic approach to reading, breaking down learning to read into manageable chunks. Phonics is taught daily and, children will take home a book which matches their phonics decodable level (Blending book). As they move through the RWI programme, children will take home the corresponding bookbag book. In addition, all children will take home a reading for pleasure book. This will not necessarily match a child’s decodable level. This book is to enjoy with others at home.

The structure of RWI  

Our Phonics lessons use the Read, Write Inc teaching sequence. Children will be exposed to the first letter sounds in Nursery, moving to formal teaching lessons in Reception, following the RWI progression guide. Children will move through the Phonics programme, being assessed rigorously every half term, with the expectation that starting in Year 2 Spring Term, children will have completed the programme and be ready to start reading lessons.

Phonics is timetabled daily and lasts 45 minutes. In Reception, children will gradually increase to 45-minute lessons, where in the early reading stages, formal lesson last 20-25 minutes and 20 minutes will then be used to play phonics-based games, from the RWI programme, such as Fred Games. Children are grouped based on rigorous assessments each half term. As children progress through the RWI Programme, they are taught to build their fluency, understand and read longer words, while also starting to read for comprehension.

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The Year 1 phonics screening check is a short, simple assessment that helps teachers confirm whether children have learned to use phonics to decode words accurately.

It involves children reading a mixture of real words and “nonsense” words to show how confidently they can use their phonics knowledge. The check helps teachers identify any children who may need extra support with early reading so that the right help can be put in place.

Children who need further practice will continue to receive phonics teaching, and they will have another opportunity to take the check the following year. This allows schools to track progress and ensure every child develops secure early reading skills.

Fresh Start 

In Year 4, 5 and 6, children who require further support in developing their phonological awareness will access Fresh Start. The RWI systematic synthetic phonics programs aims to help readers improve their reading accuracy, fluency and stamina. These children are identified through rigorous early assessment with the aim for them to build up their phonics knowledge and re-join whole class reading lessons.