Phonics & Reading

Reading and Phonics at Corringham Primary School

At Corringham Primary School, we are committed to developing confident, fluent readers who enjoy reading and can access the full curriculum successfully. From our youngest learners in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to our graduating Year 6 pupils, reading is at the heart of everything we do. To achieve this, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme for phonics and early reading. This structured, systematic approach ensures consistency in teaching, language, and expectations across the school, supporting children as they progress through each stage of their reading journey.

Our approach to reading and phonics is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills over time. Daily phonics teaching takes place from EYFS to Year 2, enabling children to develop secure early reading skills. As pupils progress through Year 2 and into Key Stage 2, they continue to develop fluency, comprehension, and spelling skills through structured reading lessons and discrete spelling teaching. Children who require additional support in Key Stage 2 take part in phonics catch-up sessions, ensuring continuity of approach and allowing key knowledge to be revisited and secured.

Key Features of Our Reading and Phonics Curriculum:

• Systematic Phonics Teaching: Phonics is taught daily in EYFS and Key Stage 1 through a clear, structured programme that supports children in becoming confident, independent early readers.

• Carefully Matched Reading Books: Children read books that are closely matched to their phonics knowledge, ensuring success and confidence when reading independently and aloud.

• Explicit Reading Instruction: Guided reading takes place regularly across the school. In Key Stage 1, this includes small-group reading and frequent 1:1 opportunities, while in Key Stage 2, lessons focus on developing fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.

• Assessment and Targeted Support: Regular assessment ensures teaching is closely matched to pupils’ needs. Where necessary, targeted intervention, small-group work, or 1:1 reading is used to support progress and build confidence.

• Reading for Pleasure: Developing a love of reading is a key priority. Daily story time takes place in every class, with carefully chosen texts that introduce high-quality literature, a range of authors, and ambitious vocabulary. Reading is celebrated through class libraries, reading buddies, and whole-school events such as World Book Day.

How to Help at Home

We recognise that the way reading and phonics are taught today may look different from how parents and carers learned at school. Our approach focuses on building secure decoding, fluency, and understanding, rather than guessing words or memorising texts.

Ways you can support your child’s reading at home include:

• Parent Workshops: Parents of children in EYFS and Key Stage 1 are invited to attend a phonics workshop in the autumn term. Year 1 parents are also invited to attend a spring term workshop that explains the Phonics Screening Check and how children are prepared for it in school.

• Read Little and Often: Short, regular reading sessions are far more effective than longer sessions once a week. Just 5–10 minutes a day makes a significant difference.

• Listen and Encourage: Give your child time to read aloud, offering praise and reassurance. Re-reading familiar books helps to build fluency and confidence.

• Talk About Books: Ask questions about the story, characters, and vocabulary. Simple prompts such as “What happened first?” or “Why do you think they did that?” help develop comprehension.

• Share Books Together: Reading to your child and enjoying books together supports vocabulary development, comprehension, and a lifelong love of reading.

Across the school, reading and phonics are taught using a shared approach and common language. This consistency helps children feel confident and secure as they move through year groups, as routines, expectations, and teaching strategies remain familiar. Pupils are supported to become increasingly independent readers as they progress through the school and beyond.

We are pleased to announce that we have achieved the Bronze Reading Pledge award.