Phonics (reading and spelling)
At Rosedale, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. We start teaching phonics in Nursery/Reception and follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression, which ensures children build on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code, mastering phonics to read and spell as they move through school.
As a result, all our children are able to tackle any unfamiliar words as they read. At Rosedale, we also model the application of the alphabetic code through phonics in shared reading and writing, both inside and outside of the phonics lesson and across the curriculum. We have a strong focus on language development for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects.
Comprehension
At Rosedale, we value reading as a crucial life skill. By the time children leave us, they read confidently for meaning and regularly enjoy reading for pleasure. Our readers are equipped with the tools to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary. We encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
Because we believe teaching every child to read is so important, we have a Reading Leader and a Phonics Leader, who both drive the early reading programme in our school. These leaders are highly skilled at teaching phonics and reading, and they monitor and support the school reading team, so everyone teaches with confidence and fidelity to the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme.
Foundations for phonics in Nursery
Daily phonics lessons in Reception and Year 1
Daily Keep-up lessons ensure every child learns to read
Teaching reading: Reading practice sessions three times a week
Home reading
Additional reading support for vulnerable children
Ensuring consistency and pace of progress
Ensuring reading for pleasure
‘Reading for pleasure is the single most important indicator of a child’s success.’ (OECD 2002)
‘The will influences the skill and vice versa.’ (OECD 2010)
We value reading for pleasure highly and work hard as a school to grow our Reading for Pleasure pedagogy.
Assessment
Assessment is used to monitor progress and to identify any child needing additional support as soon as they need it.
Statutory assessment
Ongoing assessment for catch-up