Phonics 

Phonics is the foundation of reading. At Loughton School, we are determined that every child will become a confident reader, enabling them to transition from learning to read through to using reading as a tool for learning and enjoyment. 

We work closely with our feeder schools in order to support the children who join us in year three with gaps in their phonics knowledge. We use the Little Wandle, Rapid Catch-Up programme to provide a targeted approach for children who are in the early stages of reading, particularly those identified as working below age-related expectations.  

Little Wandle, Rapid Catch-Up is a specific, targeted approach for children age 7+ who require extra support on their reading journey. Following Little Wandle’s expectations of progress, learning takes place across phases 2, 3, 4 and 5. Children receive daily twenty-minute interventions in small groups. Regular assessments and flexible groupings ensure that we are able to meet the specific needs of each child.   

With its own set of age-appropriate books, the programme ensures all children are exposed to a variety of high-quality fiction and non-fiction books that are matched to their assessment level. Reading interventions incorporate decoding, prosody (expressive reading) and vocabulary to ensure the children are learning to read with confidence, expression and a good understanding of the text. Books are changed weekly and children receive three group reads before taking their new book home. Children are also expected to read their phonics book at home at least three times a week.    

Please view below the videos from Little Wandle.  

 Click on the image to view the video link.

Phase 2 sounds

Phase 2 sounds

Phase 3 sounds

How to say Phase 5 sounds

For more information and how you can support your child, please visit https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/

 

Celebrating Phonics 

At our school, we love to celebrate the progress our students make in phonics. Each January, we host a special Breakfast Celebration, inviting parents to join us for a model lesson where they can observe phonics in action. During this session, we also provide helpful tips on how parents can support their child’s phonics learning at home, especially with reading. To recognise their hard work, we present certificates to the children. Additionally, at the end of the spring and summer terms, we celebrate phonics achievements during our celebration assemblies.