The Phonics Curriculum
At Gomersal, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme. This is a systematic and synthetic approach to teaching early reading, designed to ensure that all children become confident, fluent readers. The programme provides a clear progression of phonics knowledge and skills, alongside daily opportunities for children to practise applying their learning in reading and writing.
Statement of Intent
At Gomersal, we are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident and enthusiastic reader.
We recognise that reading is the key to unlocking the wider curriculum and is an essential life skill.
Through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, we aim to:
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Deliver high-quality, consistent phonics teaching
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Ensure all children keep up rather than catch up
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Provide early identification and support for children who need additional practice
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Develop fluent, confident readers who enjoy reading
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Build strong foundations for lifelong learning
We believe that all children can succeed in reading with the right support, teaching and encouragement.
How do we teach phonics at Gomersal?
Phonics is taught daily in Early Years and Year 1, with additional keep-up support for any children who require further consolidation. The programme ensures children learn:
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The sounds (phonemes) that letters represent
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How to blend sounds together to read words
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How to segment words into sounds to support spelling
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Tricky words that cannot be sounded out easily
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Reading fluency and comprehension through carefully matched reading practice books
Children are taught to read using fully decodable books that are matched to their secure phonics knowledge. This ensures that children can practise reading with confidence and success.
Phonics is taught daily in a structured and engaging way using the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme. Each session follows a consistent format:
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Review – revisiting previously taught sounds and words
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Teach – introducing a new sound or concept
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Practise – practising blending and segmenting
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Apply – reading and writing using the new learning
Children are taught in whole-class sessions where everyone participates. Teachers use clear modelling, repetition and oral rehearsal to support learning. Lessons are fast-paced and interactive to maintain engagement.
Reading practice sessions take place three times per week. These sessions focus on:
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Decoding
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Prosody (reading with expression)
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Comprehension
Children read books that closely match their phonics knowledge, ensuring they are reading at the correct level.
Any child who needs additional support receives daily keep-up sessions delivered by a trained adult to help them stay on track.
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Curriculum Progression
The Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme provides a carefully structured progression of phonics knowledge from Early Years through to Year 1 and beyond.
Children in Early Years begin by learning Phase 2 sounds and quickly move through Phase 3 and Phase 4. In Year 1, children continue to build on this learning, covering Phase 5 graphemes and alternative spellings.
This progression ensures that children:
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Learn new sounds in a clear sequence
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Revisit and consolidate previous learning
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Build fluency and automaticity in reading
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Develop confidence in spelling
Our progression documents outline:
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The order in which sounds are taught
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Tricky words for each phase
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Expected outcomes for each year group
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Assessment checkpoints
These documents ensure consistency and continuity across school.
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme. At Gomersal, we use ongoing formative assessment to ensure that children are keeping up with the pace of learning and to identify any pupils who may need additional support.
Teachers assess children’s phonics knowledge daily through observation and participation in lessons. These informal assessments help to inform teaching and ensure that children receive immediate support where needed.
In addition, children complete regular half-termly assessments in line with the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme. These assessments allow teachers to:
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Monitor progress
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Identify gaps in learning
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Provide targeted keep-up support
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Ensure children are reading books matched to their phonics knowledge
Any child who is identified as needing extra support receives timely keep-up sessions to help them stay on track with their peers.
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is a statutory assessment that takes place in June. The check is designed to assess children’s phonic decoding skills and ensure they are making sufficient progress in early reading.
The screening check consists of 40 words. Children are asked to read a mixture of real words and pseudo (alien) words. Pseudo words are included to assess children’s ability to apply their phonics knowledge to unfamiliar words.
The check is completed on a one-to-one basis in a familiar and supportive environment with a known adult. It is designed to be low-pressure and children are encouraged to do their best.
If a child does not meet the expected standard in Year 1, they will continue to receive phonics support in Year 2 and will retake the screening check at the end of Year 2.
Parents will be informed of their child’s result following the check. Regardless of the outcome, we continue to support all children to become confident, fluent readers.
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Phonics Parent Workshop Slides
How can parents help at home?
Parents play a vital role in supporting children’s reading development. There are many simple ways to help at home:
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Read with your child daily
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Encourage your child to sound out unfamiliar words
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Praise effort and celebrate progress
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Practise reading tricky words
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Re-read familiar books to build fluency
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Share stories together to develop a love of reading
Children will bring home:
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A decodable reading practice book matched to their phonics learning
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A sharing book for enjoyment
The reading practice book should be read multiple times to build confidence and fluency. The sharing book is for parents to read to children, helping develop vocabulary and comprehension.
If you are unsure how to support your child, please speak to your child’s teacher. We are always happy to help.
