At Fingringhoe, we are committed to ensuring that phonics and early reading are inclusive and accessible to every child. We recognise that reading is a fundamental life skill, essential for accessing learning across the curriculum and throughout a child’s education. Alongside developing confident, fluent readers, we aim to foster a lifelong love of literature, enabling children to explore the world around them, make meaningful connections with their own experiences and immerse themselves in the imaginative worlds that books offer.

We believe that every child can become a fluent reader and writer. Reading is taught through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a systematic synthetic phonics programme. Phonics teaching begins in EYFS, where children develop their knowledge of the alphabetic code, and progresses systematically through Key Stage 1, supporting them to apply their phonic knowledge confidently when reading and spelling. This provision is aligned with the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. Children are provided with appropriately matched decodable reading books, with their progress regularly assessed to ensure that texts reflect their developing knowledge and skills.

We recognise that every child is unique and that progress in reading will vary. Regular assessment enables us to identify gaps in knowledge promptly and provide targeted support where needed. This approach continues into Lower Key Stage 2, ensuring that children who require further support can revisit and consolidate their learning through targeted intervention sessions.

Alongside daily phonics teaching, Year 2 pupils benefit from weekly fluency and extended reading sessions. These provide opportunities to develop reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension, ensuring a smooth transition from early reading instruction towards the more independent reading demands of Key Stage 2.