Phonics & Reading

Reading and Phonics at Corringham Primary School

At Corringham Primary School, we recognise that reading is fundamental to every area of learning and is a vital life skill. From our youngest children in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to pupils in Year 6, we are committed to developing confident, fluent readers who enjoy reading and can access the full curriculum successfully.

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 learning.

Our Approach to Phonics and Early Reading

Daily phonics teaching takes place from EYFS to Year 2, ensuring children develop secure early reading skills. In Year 2, pupils begin to bridge from phonics into spelling through the Little Wandle Spelling programme, supporting a smooth transition as their literacy skills continue to develop.

In Key Stage 2, children who require additional support take part in Little Wandle catch-up sessions, ensuring continuity of approach and allowing pupils to revisit and secure key phonics knowledge.

Children read fully decodable books that are carefully matched to their current phonics stage. This enables them to practise and apply what they have learned, helping to build confidence, accuracy and fluency.

Assessment and Support

Phonics is assessed half-termly to ensure teaching is closely matched to pupils’ needs.

Assessment information is used to:

• Organise daily phonics groups

• Identify gaps in learning quickly

• Plan targeted interventions and rapid catch-up support

Children who need additional support may receive small-group or 1:1 reading, extra reading practice sessions and targeted intervention to support progress and confidence.

Reading Practice and Guided Reading

Reading is taught explicitly and regularly throughout the school.

Key Stage 1

• Guided reading takes place in small groups of no more than six

• Children benefit from frequent 1:1 reading

• Additional reading sessions take place on Monday and Wednesday afternoons

• Play-based reading activities are used to support early reading development

Key Stage 2

• Guided reading is taught through weekly small-group sessions

• Lessons focus on developing fluency, comprehension skills and vocabulary

This structured approach supports children in becoming confident and independent readers.

Reading for Pleasure

Developing a love of reading is a key priority at Corringham Primary School.

• Story time takes place every day in every class

• Texts are carefully chosen to:

  • Introduce high-quality literature

  • Promote a range of authors

  • Develop rich vocabulary

  • Reflect pupils’ interests and experiences

• Each class has its own class reading library

• Reading buddies take place every Friday, allowing younger and older pupils to read together

• Reading is celebrated through whole-school events such as World Book Day

Supporting Reading at Home

We recognise the important role that parents and carers play in supporting children’s reading development.

In Key Stage 1, parents are invited to attend:

• A phonics workshop at the start of the academic year

• A spring-term session explaining the Phonics Screening Check

Reading books sent home are carefully matched to children’s phonics knowledge, and guidance is shared to help families support reading at home.

Ways to support reading at home include:

• Reading little and often

• Listening to your child read aloud

• Talking about stories and characters

• Sharing books together regularly

A Consistent Approach to Reading

Across the school, reading and phonics are taught using a shared approach and common language. This helps children feel confident and secure as they move through year groups, as routines, expectations and teaching strategies remain familiar.

Adults work closely together to ensure reading lessons, interventions and support are well matched to pupils’ needs and delivered consistently across all classes.

The Impact of Our Reading Curriculum

Our approach to reading and phonics helps children to:

• Build secure early reading skills

• Develop confidence and fluency when reading aloud

• Enjoy books, stories and shared reading experiences

• Access learning successfully across the wider curriculum

As children progress through the school, they become increasingly independent readers who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

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