At Sir John Heron Primary School our intent for the RWI Phonics programme is to ensure all pupils, regardless of their background or prior attainment, become confident and fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1. We aim to inspire a love for reading through systematic and explicit phonics teaching, enabling pupils to decode words with accuracy and develop comprehension skills that support their literacy across the curriculum.

We are committed to:

• Providing a phonics curriculum that is engaging, effective, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of our learners.
• Fostering a positive reading culture that encourages pupils to enjoy and value books as a vital part of their education.
• Equipping staff with the necessary training and resources to deliver the RWI programme with fidelity and enthusiasm.

The implementation of the RWI Phonics programme is structured, consistent, and strategically planned, allowing for seamless integration into our curriculum. Phonics sessions occur daily for 45 minutes, beginning in Reception and continuing into KS1 and KS2, with provision made for early intervention, where necessary. Children are grouped based on ongoing assessment to ensure that all pupils receive tailored support appropriate to their phonetic stage. All teachers and teaching assistants receive rigorous training in RWI, ensuring they understand phonics' principles and are skilled at delivering effective sessions. Regular coaching and professional development are provided to maintain high standards of teaching and promote a culture of continuous improvement. Phonics assessments are conducted every half term, allowing for real-time tracking of pupils' progress and the identification of those needing additional support. Phonics screening checks are integrated into our assessment strategy in Year 1. A wide range of high-quality reading materials is available that align with the RWI programme, including phonetically decodable texts that support pupils' reading development. Pupils have access to core story books online, fostering consolidation and comprehension skills through discussion and interaction with text. We actively involve parents in their children’s reading journeys, providing workshops and resources to support phonics learning at home. Regular communication with families, through newsletters and individual meetings, ensures they understand how they can assist their children at home.

Our objective is to ensure that children emerge as confident readers by the end of Key Stage 1. Children will possess the ability to read age-appropriate materials both accurately and swiftly. This foundational skill enables us to concentrate on enhancing their comprehension and preparing them for the transition to Key Stage 2. Pupils display a love for reading and enjoy sharing their reading experiences with peers and adults, as evidenced by pupil voice and classroom observations. The impact of the RWI programme is regularly reviewed through monitoring, ensuring that our practice remains at the cutting edge of effective phonics lessons. Regular feedback from staff and pupils informs necessary adaptations to our approach, enabling us to respond proactively to the needs of our learners.

In summary, the implementation of RWI Phonics at Sir John Heron not only supports our intent to provide effective phonics lessons but also demonstrates a clear impact on the literacy outcomes of our pupils, affirming our commitment to deliver outstanding education and meeting reading expectations as set out in the national curriculum.

To watch how to pronounce the Set 1, 2, and 3 sounds, please follow the link to view Ms Ahmed's demonstration videos.