Phonics and Reading

At Betty Layward Primary School we strongly believe that the ability to read is fundamental to pupils becoming lifelong,  independent learners. Confidence and fluency  in reading is the key to independent learning and is given the highest priority at Betty Layward Primary School.

Children are taught  to become enthusiastic, independent and reflective readers.  They are encouraged to read for pleasure and are exposed to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts to promote reading across the curriculum.

Phonics

We use a programme called Read Write Inc to teach early reading skills to children from Nursery to Year 2.   This is a synthetic phonic programme which is used by over a quarter of UK primary schools.  At the core of the programme is the lively and systematic teaching of synthetic phonics.  Children learn the  44 common sounds in the English language and are taught how to blend these sounds to decode (read) words.  They apply their knowledge of sounds to books which are matched to their level and allow them to experience early success in reading.

At the end of Y1 all children across the country complete a phonic screening check to see if they have met national expectations .  Children who do not pass the check at the end of Year 1 receive extra support in Y2 to ensure they catch up.

Reading

At Betty Layward we teach reading through Hackney’s Destination Reader programme.

Destination Reader is an approach to teaching reading in KS2. It involves daily sessions incorporating whole class modelling prior to the children applying these skills through partner work and independent reading. Children deepen their understanding of the texts they read through the systematic use of a series of strategies and language stems.

The approach encompasses the key principles of effective reading provision and fully meets the requirements of the National Curriculum. It also builds a culture of reading for pleasure and purpose.