Phonics
Subject Rationale
At Stanbury Village School, our Phonics curriculum is designed to ensure that every pupil develops the fundamental skills of reading through a consistent, rigorous, and systematic approach. Informed by expert research and national best practice, our phonics provision is rooted in the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised scheme, which aligns with the expectations of the National Curriculum and the Ofsted Reading Framework, ensuring all pupils are well-equipped to become fluent, confident readers.
Our phonics curriculum is structured to build children's knowledge cumulatively and sequentially, progressing from the simplest sounds to more complex phoneme-grapheme correspondences. Through daily, high-quality teaching, children learn to decode with accuracy, blend sounds fluently, and develop strong reading habits from the earliest stages. Regular assessment and timely interventions ensure that every pupil, including those who find reading challenging, can keep up and not catch up.
Decodable reading books are matched precisely to each child’s secure phonics knowledge, enabling them to apply their learning and experience success. Reading practice sessions, delivered three times weekly, support pupils in developing fluency, prosody, and comprehension—essential components of skilled reading.
Independent reading and a love of books are promoted throughout our provision. The systematic nature of Little Wandle ensures that children move through the programme with confidence, while the programme's robust assessment structure enables staff to quickly identify gaps and provide targeted support.
Recognising that not all staff may begin with expertise in phonics instruction, the Little Wandle scheme provides extensive training and support. This includes access to high-quality teacher and pupil videos, clear lesson guidance, and ongoing CPD, which together ensure that all staff can deliver phonics effectively and confidently. This consistent, whole-school approach ensures that all pupils receive the highest quality early reading education.
Our phonics curriculum is more than just a stepping stone to literacy—it is a cornerstone of our commitment to "Unlocking Potential, Nurturing Excellence." By giving all children the tools to read with fluency, understanding, and enjoyment, we empower them to access the wider curriculum, participate fully in school life, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
