Phonics
At Five Lanes Primary, we believe that learning to read is the key that unlocks the whole curriculum. Developing strong early reading skills gives children the confidence to access learning across all subjects and lays the firm foundations for learning and flourishing.
We teach phonics using Little Wandle Letters and Sounds, a high-quality, systematic programme that supports children in becoming confident and fluent readers.
What is Phonics?
Phonics is a way of teaching children to read and spell by helping them understand the relationship between letters and sounds.
Children learn to:
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recognise the sounds (phonemes) that letters represent
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blend sounds together to read words
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segment words into sounds to support spelling
These skills enable children to decode unfamiliar words and develop confidence as readers.
How We Teach Phonics
Phonics is taught daily in Reception and Key Stage 1 through structured and engaging lessons using the Little Wandle programme.
Lessons include:
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learning new sounds and letter patterns
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practising blending to read words
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segmenting sounds to spell words
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reading words and sentences containing the sounds taught
Teaching follows a clear progression, ensuring that children build their phonics knowledge step by step.
Phonics Screening Check
In Year 1, children take part in the national Phonics Screening Check. This short assessment helps us ensure that children have developed secure phonics knowledge and can apply it when reading.
If a child does not meet the expected standard, they will receive additional support and will have the opportunity to retake the check in Year 2.
Key Stage 1
Little Wandle Overview
Programme-Overview_Reception-and-Year-1-1.pdf
Little Wandle Support for Parents
Pronounciation of sounds This video will support you with the correct pronounciation of sounds.
Phonics play Please ask for school login details
Reading Practice
Children read books that are carefully matched to the sounds they have been taught through the Little Wandle programme. This allows them to practise decoding successfully and build reading confidence.
Reading sessions focus on:
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decoding words accurately
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reading with increasing fluency
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developing understanding of the text
As children become more fluent readers, they move on to a wider range of books to further develop comprehension and enjoyment of reading.
Supporting Reading at Home
Parents and carers play an important role in helping children develop strong reading habits.
You can support your child by:
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listening to them read regularly
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encouraging them to sound out unfamiliar words
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talking about the story and characters
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sharing books together and reading for pleasure
Even 10 minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference to a child’s progress.