Our approach to phonics
Phonics and Early Reading
At Beverley St Nicholas Primary School, we believe that all children can become fluent readers and writers. This is why we teach reading through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, which is a systematic and synthetic phonics programme.
We start teaching phonics in Nursery and Reception and follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression. This ensures that children build securely on their growing knowledge of the alphabetic code and develop the skills they need to read and spell confidently as they move through school.
Over the last two years, we have worked closely with the English Hub, who have provided invaluable support in strengthening our phonics provision. This partnership has supported staff development, consistency of practice and high‑quality phonics teaching across Early Years and Key Stage 1.
As a result of our rigorous approach to phonics, our outcomes are very strong. In the most recent Phonics Screening Check, 97% of pupils met the expected standard. We are extremely proud of this achievement, which is well above both national and local area averages.
As a result of this approach, our children are able to tackle unfamiliar words confidently as they read. At Beverley St Nicholas Primary School, we also model the application of the alphabetic code through phonics in shared reading and writing, both within phonics lessons and across the wider curriculum.
We place a strong emphasis on language development, recognising that speaking and listening are crucial foundations for reading and writing in all subjects. Through high expectations, expert support and strong partnerships, we aim to ensure that every child becomes a confident, fluent reader.
How Parents Can Help at Home
We value the important role parents and carers play in supporting early reading at home. You can help your child by:
- Reading regularly with your child and encouraging them to re‑read familiar books
- Supporting your child to use their phonics skills to sound out unfamiliar words
- Encouraging clear speech and talking together about stories, pictures and experiences
- Practising any phonics or reading activities sent home by school
We encourage parents to praise effort and celebrate progress. If you are ever unsure how best to support your child with phonics or reading at home, please speak to your child’s class teacher, who will be happy to help.
