We follow a DfE validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme called Read Write Inc.

What is phonics? 

Synthetic phonics is a way of teaching children to read. It teaches children how sounds are represented by written letters. Children are taught to read words by blending these sounds together to make words. For example, they will be taught that the letters ‘s-a-d’ blend together to make ‘sad’.

A synthetic phonics programme, such as Read Write Inc, provides a structure for teaching these sounds in a certain order to build up children’s learning gradually. It is used daily during Reception and Year 1 to teach all the sounds in the English language.

How is Read Write Inc taught in school?

"Read Write Inc. Phonics is the UK’s number one systematic synthetic phonics programme."

With Read Write Inc, phonics lessons are taught where children are taught a new sound, or where they review sounds learned earlier in the term. Every lesson connects with the last and each activity connects with the next.

Children work in targeted progress groups so they can all participate. No child is ever left behind. They are assessed each half term to ensure the speediest progress. 

Talking is at the heart of every lesson. Children learn the routines that enable them to explain and practise what they’ve been taught with a partner.

Additional support 

'Read Write Inc-lusive'

Read Write Inc. Phonics  is designed to be inclusive for all children – whatever their need.  The half-termly online assessment quickly identifies those children who need support and the exact support they need. 

At Didsbury, children are taught at their challenge point in small groups and/or by one-to-one tutoring.  

Assessment

It is important that children’s progress is assessed thoroughly, so that any gaps can quickly be identified. 

Assessment of the children’s reading skills is key to ensuring that all children make rapid progress through the programme, and that they keep up rather than catch up. 

We assess children’s phonic knowledge in the last week of each half term, to allow all members of staff to target and close any gaps that may be present in either sound knowledge or reading skills when children are placed in their new groups. 

Decodable readers

It is vital that whilst children are learning to read, they read books that match their phonic knowledge. Read Write Inc books have been carefully matched to every aspect of the programme. We use these books in school and as take-home readers. We also include an online version of the reading books via Oxford Owl. 

How can I help at home?

Practising the sounds

You can buy a set of Set 1 Read Write Inc sound cards here - https://tinyurl.com/4jrbfmvd

And set 2 Read Write Inc sounds cards here - https://tinyurl.com/4c8ctkz4 

Reading decodable books

Your child will bring home reading books with words that use the sounds they have been learning in school. You may hear these reading books called ‘decodable books’. Use the prompts inside the front and back covers to enjoy the book together and help your child practise reading.
By reading and re-reading texts both in school and at home we offer children the opportunity to develop a cohesive orthographic map of the words within our language. This in turn helps to build their reading fluency. The more you can read at home with your child, the better. We ask that children read the decodable reader they bring home at least three times during the week.