'High-quality, systematic phonic work should be taught discretely. The knowledge, skills and understanding that constitute high-quality phonic work should be taught as the prime approach in learning to decode (read) and encode (to write/spell) print. Phonics work should be set within a broad and rich language curriculum that takes full account of developing the four interdependent strands of language: speaking, listening, reading and writing’. (Rose Review 2006)

At Brickhouse we follow the above principle ensuring that all children are taught the skills at an early age to be able to independently apply what they have learnt in discrete phonics to reading and writing. We strongly believe that phonics is the foundation a child needs to be able to read and write successfully.

Phonics Delivery

Discrete phonic sessions are taught daily for 20-30 minutes at a suitable time to fit the class timetable (Nursery-Year 2). For those children who need extra phonics provision in Year 3 and above, an intervention is put into place for support. Those children who have a provision map may have a phonics based target to help develop their reading and writing skills.

Supersonic Phonics Friends, a DfE approved scheme is used to deliver the systematic teaching of phonics 

Phonics Curriculum (EYFS)

Children are taught in ability groupings from the beginning in EYFS to ensure their needs are met effectively.

Nursery   

• Phase 1 (ongoing throughout Nursery, through SALLEY)

• Phase 2 (introduced in the Summer Term)

Reception 

• Phase 2 (begins Week 3 in Autumn Term)
• Phase 3 (Introduced  and embedded in the Spring and Summer Term)
• Phase 4 may be introduced if children are secure in using and applying Phase 3 sounds. 

Phonics Curriculum (KS1)

Children are taught in ability groupings where their needs can be met in a smaller and more focused group.  We aim for all children to leave Year 1 being secure with all of their Phase 5 sounds, although we recognise this is not always possible. 

Year 1

• Phase 4 (embedded and revisited for Autumn 1)
• Phase 5 (The majority of children work securely on this phase in the Spring term, previous phases are taught beforehand and any significant gaps in learning.)
   

Year 2

• Phase 5 (revisited in the Autumn Term to ensure alternative sounds are secure)
• When children are secure in their phonic knowledge, they will move onto the Year 2 spelling curriculum (Suze's super spelling 2 using Supersonic Phonic friends)

Children with SEN will be taught the phase which best fits their learning needs.

Grouping and phases are assessed and reviewed regularly to ensure children receive high quality phonics delivery.