Intent 

At Caldecote CE Academy, we believe that all our children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Read Write Inc., which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme. We start teaching phonics in Reception and follow the Read Write Inc. 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, our children are able to tackle unfamiliar words as they read. At Caldecote, 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 for our children because we know that speaking and listening are crucial skills for reading and writing in all subjects.

At Caldecote CE Academy, we value reading as a crucial life skill.  Our readers are equipped with the tools to tackle unfamiliar vocabulary. We encourage our children to see themselves as readers for both pleasure and purpose.

We have a Reading Leader who drives the early reading programme in our school. This person is highly skilled at teaching phonics and reading, and they monitor and support our reading team, so everyone teaches phonics with fidelity to the Read Write Inc. programme.

Implementation

Read Write Inc. requires a daily daily phonics lesson. We begin teaching phonics in Reception from when children first start school to ensure they make a strong start, using the Strong Start in Reception document. Lessons are short initially and focus on single letter sounds. Lessons eventually build in length.  We follow the Read Write Inc expectations of progress. 

Impact

• Read easily, confidently and fluently.
• Actively read the text for meaning to ensure that the story is understood and read with fluency and expression.
• Develop an understanding of reading to comprehend the text.
• Exposure to a range of text genres.
• Immersed in a reading environment.
• Develop a love of reading and an encouragement for wider reading.
• Exposed to a wide variety of vocabulary and phrases.
• Work collaboratively to enhance their spoken language and embed their understanding.
• Assessed daily within class, and regularly by the Reading Leader.
• Demonstrate understanding in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check.
• Demonstrate understanding in the statutory tests at the end of the key stage 1.