Phonics (Early Reading)

How We Teach Phonics at Waterside Academy

At Waterside Academy, we believe every child deserves the best start in reading and writing. That is why we introduced the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme in January 2025, a proven method designed to help children become confident readers and writers. This structured approach ensures that every child learns to blend sounds for reading and use simple spelling techniques for writing, setting them up for success from the very beginning.

Children work in small groups based on their reading level for 30 minutes each day. These groups are carefully tailored to their progress, and we assess children regularly to ensure they are always learning at the right pace. For children who need extra help, we provide daily one-to-one or small group sessions so they can “keep up, not catch up.”

We prioritise giving children books that match the sounds they have learned, ensuring they can read them confidently and fluently. At school, they practise these books with their group, focusing on decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Once confident, they bring the books home to share with you. Alongside this, they will bring home a Book Bag Book which uses the same sounds they have been learning but presents them in a new, unfamiliar story, helping to deepen their understanding and confidence.

Additionally, your child will choose a library book to bring home. While they may not yet be able to read this book independently, it is one that has caught their interest and provides a wonderful opportunity for you to enjoy sharing a story together. To support your child further, we provide virtual classroom resources with engaging, interactive lessons to help reinforce the sounds and words they have been learning at school.

By the end of the programme, most children are fluent readers and confident writers, ready for the challenges of Key Stage 2. We are proud to support every child on their journey to becoming a lifelong reader and writer.

For a full playlist of Read Write Inc parent support videos, click here.