Phonics
At Wootton St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking a lifetime of learning. Developing strong early reading skills is one of the most important things we do as a school.
We use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme to teach phonics and early reading. This systematic and structured approach ensures that children develop the knowledge and confidence they need to become fluent, enthusiastic readers.
Rooted in our vision, “journeying together in the light of Love, Joy, Courage and Trust,” we aim to nurture a love of reading and provide every child with the best possible start to their learning journey.
- Early Reading and Phonics Policy
- National Curriculum - The Reading Framework
- Little Wandle Curriculum
What is Phonics?
Phonics teaches children how letters and groups of letters represent sounds.
Children learn to:
- Recognise letter sounds (phonemes).
- Blend sounds together to read words.
- Segment words into sounds for spelling.
- Read with increasing fluency and confidence.
- Apply phonics skills across all areas of learning.
Phonics provides the building blocks children need to become successful readers and writers.
Little Wandle Letters & Sounds Revised
At Wootton St Andrew’s, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme from Reception to Year 1, with additional support provided for any children who need extra practice.
The programme provides:
- Daily phonics lessons.
- Consistent teaching approaches across school.
- Regular assessment and targeted support.
- Fully matched reading books.
- Opportunities for children to revisit and practise previously taught learning.
This ensures that all children make strong progress and develop confidence as readers.
Supporting Reading at Home
Parents play an important role in helping children become successful readers.
We encourage families to:
- Read with their child regularly.
- Listen to their child read aloud.
- Share and discuss stories together.
- Celebrate reading successes.
- Access phonics resources and guidance provided by school.
Working together helps children develop confidence and a lifelong love of reading.
The programme provides:
- Daily phonics lessons.
- Consistent teaching approaches across school.
- Regular assessment and targeted support.
- Fully matched reading books.
- Opportunities for children to revisit and practise previously taught learning.
This ensures that all children make strong progress and develop confidence as readers.
- Little Wandle Information PowerPoint
- Reception Autumn 1 Sounds
- Reception Autumn 2 Sounds
- Reception Spring 1 Sounds
- Year 1 & 2 Sounds
- Little Wandle Progression Document
- Little Wandle Support For Parents/Carers
Enrichment and Experiences
At Wootton St Andrew’s, we want children to see reading as something enjoyable, meaningful and inspiring.
Children benefit from a range of experiences that help promote a love of reading, including:
- Daily story times.
- High-quality class texts.
- Visits to the school library.
- World Book Day celebrations.
- Reading challenges and competitions.
- Opportunities to share books across year groups.
- Author, poet and storytelling experiences where possible.
- Reading-linked curriculum topics and themed events.
These opportunities help children develop positive attitudes towards reading and encourage them to become lifelong readers.
Mrs Michelle Radge – Headteacher
Mrs Tracy Chapman – School Business Manager
Wootton St Andrew’s Church of England (VA) Primary School
6 High Street
Wootton
Ulceby
North Lincolnshire
DN39 6SG
01469 588361
admin.wootton@northlincs.gov.uk
