Phonics
At Ashmead School, 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 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. 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 and Oracy for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects.
At Ashmead School, 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 and we encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.
You can find out more about Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised Phonics by following the link below and reading our Phonics Policy: Ashmead School Phonics Policy
During week commencing 9th June 2025, all Year 1 pupils will be taking part in the Phonics Screening Check. This is a statutory assessment designed to assess your child's understanding of phonics - a vital part of their early reading development.
To support your child in preparing for this, we've prepared a helpful resource pack. This had been kindly put together and gifted by Miss Whitehead, and we hope you find it useful to look through.
If you have any questions about the phonics screening, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Mrs Thompson who will be screening all Year 1 pupils during that week.
