Last updated: September 2023

Reading is so important to a child. Once a child can read, this will open many doors to their learning. Through reading, children learn about people, places and events outside their own experience. They are exposed to ways of life, ideas and beliefs about the world which may be different from those which surround them and furthermore, inspire their imagination. Not only that, but reading expands a child’s vocabulary, enhancing their writing and speech. Through teaching Read Write Inc (RWI) daily, we hope to give every child at Firs this life changing, indispensable skill.

What is Phonics? 

Phonics is a way of teaching children how to read and write. It helps children hear, identify and use different sounds that make up words and to distinguish one word from another in the English language.  At Tangmere Primary Academy, we use the Phonics scheme Read, Write Inc (RWI).

What is Read Write Inc?

Read Write Inc (RWI) is a phonics based programme which helps children learn to read whilst also developing a wide range of vocabulary and encouraging a love of stories. It was developed by Ruth Miskin and more information can be found at www.ruthmiskinliteracy.com

The children learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letters/letter groups using simple picture prompts.  They learn to read words using sound blending with Fred the Frog after they have learnt the first 5 sounds.  Once they are secure with the Set 1 sounds they will be able to read lively stories featuring words they have learned to sound out.  Staff use these stories to develop the children’s comprehension of what they have read by leading meaningful discussion and answering a range of questions.

Using RWI, the children learn to read effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into comprehending what they read. With this, we hope that every child will grow to find pleasure and enjoyment through reading. It also allows them to spell effortlessly so that they can put all their energy into composing what they write.

When using RWI to read the children will:

• learn 70+ sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple picture prompts
• learn to read words using Fred Talk to start, then as they progress without Fred Talk
• read stories featuring words they have learned to sound out
• show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions

When using RWI to write the children will:

• learn to write the letters/letter groups which represent 70+ sounds.
• learn to spell words by saying the sounds in Fred Talk
• write simple and complex sentences

Who is Read Write Inc.for?

The Read Write Inc. programme is for primary school children learning to read. At Firs Primary the children will begin the programme in their last term of Nursery class and will remain on the programme until they are reading fluently with a good level of comprehension and speed. Our aim is for the majority of children to be off the scheme by the end of Autumn term in Year 2, however some children will remain on the scheme in Years 3, 4 and 5 where appropriate.

How does it work?

More information for parents can also be found here

https://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/reading/read-write-inc-phonics-guide-for-parents/

Phonics Screening Check

At the end of Year 1 children are assessed using the National Phonics Screening Check. This assessment gathers information on the children’s ability to blend and segment decodable words to read.

The children sit with their class teacher, one to one in a relaxed environment, and read 40 words. Some words are real words and some are nonsense words .

If a child in Year 1 does not meet the required pass standard, they will re take the test in Year 2. Through-out Year 2 the children will be supported and will have interventions to help them to develop in phonics. They will also continue on the RWI program. The children will then retake the test in June.

Moving to Year 3,  if any children still need support with their reading, writing and confidence in this area this will be put in place for them. They will also continue on the RWI program, having phonics lessons specific to their Assessment and needs.

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