Phonics

CAUNTON DEAN HOLE PHONICS PROGRAMME

INTENT

At Caunton Dean Hole school, we use the DfE approved Twinkl Phonics Programme.
The Twinkl Phonics Programme offers a coherently planned sequence of lessons that supports the effective teaching of phonics within EYFS, KS1 and, where appropriate, KS2. The Twinkl phonics levels mirror the Letters and Sounds Phonics Phases e.g. the Twinkl Phonics Level 1 matches the Letters and Sounds Phase 1. Throughout Level 1, young learners develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to discriminate between and use auditory, environmental and instrumental sounds. Level 1 is taught in the EYFS and runs alongside the teaching of phonics Levels 2-6. In reception, children work within Levels 2-4. Here learners are introduced to phonemes/sounds and graphemes/letters systematically. They also learn to develop and apply blending and segmenting skills for reading and writing.
Within KS1, children work within Levels 5 and 6. The coherently planned sequence of lessons within Level 5, taught in year 1, allows opportunities for children to apply their phonics knowledge and skills as the prime approach to reading and spelling. It focuses on phonetically decodable two-syllable and three-syllable words and the alternative ways of pronouncing and representing the long vowel phonemes. Furthermore, children will develop their ability to attempt to read and spell increasingly complex words. By Level 6, taught within year 2, children explore spelling patterns and grammar while also developing a breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding in the recognition and spelling of common exception words. Within our KS1 class, Year 2 children consolidate Level 5 phonics learning before progressing onto Level 6 phonics which is predominately but not exclusively taught within English lessons. The Twinkl Phonics Programme intends to not only provide children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding essential for reading and writing, but also, to develop each child’s confidence, resilience and engagement in phonics lessons and a love for reading and writing.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Twinkl Phonics Progression Map sets clear expectations for pupil’s progress within the Twinkl Phonics Programme. The tracking document allows us to track pupil’s progress. It provides opportunities for data analysis and encourages discussions around pupil progress, group progress, future learning and misconceptions, enabling us to respond and adapt teaching within the programme to provide additional support and challenge to pupils.
The dynamic and engaging materials ensure a clearly defined structure to the teaching of phonics. Lessons enable all learners to develop and apply new skills while also providing opportunities to further apply these skills within fun and engaging activities and through continuous provision. This meticulously planned scheme allows children to apply and practise their phonics skills. It also offers opportunities to challenge learners and provide support to teachers and parents.
At Caunton Dean Hole School, we may supplement our Twinkl phonics with further resources that we feel are beneficial for and engage our children. Whilst we have discrete phonics lessons, further opportunities are taken to consolidate phonics learning throughout the whole of our curriculum where appropriate opportunities arise as we feel it is a pivotal building block in their education journey.

IMPACT

At Caunton Dean Hole, we believe the impact of using the Twinkl Phonics Programme as the basis of our phonics teaching within EYFS and KS1, will allow our children to develop their phonics skills and knowledge through a systematic, synthetic approach whilst also covering the statutory requirements outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum. The programme will prepare children for the statutory year 1 phonics screening check and complements the DfE’s Letters and Sounds document. Following the programme, gives our school a consistent approach to phonics, which is clear to teaching staff and learners.