Phonics and Reading

Reading

Intent

The beauty of reading is that is takes us to new worlds where we can be curious and the possibilities of the horizon we can reach, when reading, is endless.

We recognise reading as a key life skill and are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers. We have the aim that by the time children leave the Tynings, they are given the opportunity to escape into real and imaginary worlds (using rich key texts). They are able to demonstrate the skills to decode words in order to be able to read fluently with understanding of what they have read. Reading is used: to provoke thought within children; to engage with new vocabulary and to encourage a love of literature and an enjoyment of reading for pleasure.

How we teach Reading

Early Reading and Phonics

At The Tynings, we understand that in any good curriculum, there is a focus on building strong foundations, and this is particularly key to reading.

We use a phonics first approach to learning to read the words on the page. Children in EYFS and Key Stage One have daily phonics following the progression of sounds in the Little Wandle SSP. They are encouraged to apply their growing knowledge during their child-initiated learning, in their writing and at other points of time in the day.

The percentage of children in our Y1 cohort who met the expected pass threshold in the Year One Phonics Screening Check is broadly in line (2024) or above (2025) the national average. The few children who do not attain a ‘pass’ in the Year One phonics screening are given additional support to enable them to make rapid progress during Year Two. Where children enter Key Stage Two with a weakness in phonics, they are also given additional focused support.

Guided Reading is taught three times a week in Reception and Year 1 where each session has a particular focus: decoding, reading with fluency and prosody and comprehension. Children take the book home (phonically decodable reading books matched closely to the phase they are within) after the third read to celebrate their reading. A ‘Reading for pleasure’ book is taken home weekly to be shared.

Y2

Children continue with Little Wandle until they show they have met the expected standard in fluency. They will then be taught in a group session using Little Wandle fluency books. These aim to build on the foundations of reading with a focus on reading with speed, accuracy and expression.

KS2

Reading is taught daily using either the class key text or extracts linked to the wider curriculum. Our Reading curriculum shows an evolving mix between building and improving children’s fluency skills (using the teacher as a model of fluent, expressive reading), close reading to show an understanding of what has been read and extended reading with an emphasis on building reading stamina.

Reading for Pleasure

We wish to create a community of readers that share, enjoy and promote reading as a skill and desirable past time. We have introduced several initiatives to encourage and promote a ‘Reading for pleasure’ culture for both children and adults within school. All staff at The Tynings are purposefully positive about reading and share that view with children as much as possible!

How you can support reading at home

To encourage regular home reading (aim for five times a week), which is crucial in helping children build accuracy, fluency and a love of reading, we send home a Reading Record.
Our reading incentive means that once children have been heard 100 times, they will be invited to choose a brand-new book from Mrs Haydon’s vast collection.

Tips for reading at home with your children:

• Excite your child with the front cover of their new book. Discuss what you can see and predict what you think might happen inside!
• Vocabulary- If your child comes across an unfamiliar word, discuss it, look it up in a dictionary and try to use it in daily conversation!
• It’s important that you hear your child read at least 5 times per week but it is also important to read to your child. They may really want to engage in books that they are not yet able to decode!
• Children learning to read benefit from reading the same book more than once: first read, support your child to decode; second read, encourage your child to read with fluency and expression and third read, develop their comprehension skills.
• Find somewhere comfortable to read together.
• HAVE FUN! Don’t be afraid to act out scenes or use funny voices.

Useful websites

The Reading Lead at The Tynings School is Hannah Curtis. The governor with responsibility for English is Sophie Colston. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about English at The Tynings School