Phonics
Teaching Phonics at The John Wesley CEM Primary School
Our Approach
At The John Wesley CEM Primary School, learning to read is one of the most important skills our children will develop. Reading unlocks access to the wider curriculum and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.
We use the government-validated systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP) called Little Wandle: Letters and Sounds Revised (introduced January 2026).
This programme teaches children to read from Reception to Year 2 by developing the skills of decoding and blending sounds to form words.
Parents can find helpful resources on the https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/ including videos showing how to pronounce sounds and guidance on supporting phonics at home.
Our Intent
- We model phonics across the curriculum, not just in phonics lessons.
- We focus on language development because speaking and listening are essential for reading and writing.
- We value reading as a life skill. By the time children leave us, they read confidently for meaning and enjoy reading for pleasure.
- Our readers are equipped to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary and see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
Implementation
Daily Phonics Lessons
- Reception and Year 1 have daily phonics lessons (up to 30 minutes). Reception starts with shorter sessions and oral blending games before moving to full lessons.
Progression
- Reception: Phase 2 & 3 GPCs, plus Phase 4 words with adjacent consonants.
- Year 1: Review Phases 3 & 4, then Phase 5 GPCs.
Keep-up Support
Children needing extra practice receive daily Keep-up sessions with trained adults. These mirror class lessons but in smaller steps with more repetition.
Year 2 and Beyond
Additional phonics lessons for children who have not met expectations or passed the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. We use Little Wandle assessments to identify gaps and teach at pace.
Consistency and Monitoring
- All teachers are trained in phonics to ensure consistency.
- We use the same language, routines, and resources across the school.
- Leaders monitor teaching and progress regularly using data and observations.
Impact
By the time children leave The John Wesley CEM Primary School, they are fluent, confident readers who enjoy a wide range of genres and can discuss books thoughtfully. Our systematic approach and high expectations have a positive impact on reading outcomes for all pupils.
Assessment
- Ongoing: Daily observations and weekly reviews.
- Summative: Every six weeks to identify gaps and plan support.
- Statutory: Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in June; re-sit in Year 2 if needed.
- Catch-up: Ongoing assessments for Years 2–6 using Little Wandle tools.
Resources for Parents
- https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/
- Parent workshops and presentations (details shared via school communications on Arbor)
Please find Phonics Policy here: Phonics and Early Reading Policy