Intent
At Barn Croft, we are uncompromising in our ambition that every child becomes a fluent, confident reader by the end of Key Stage 1. We recognise that the ability to read is the single most important skill children will learn during their early schooling, and that it underpins access to the entire curriculum.
Our phonics provision is grounded in the systematic, rigorous teaching of Read Write Inc. (RWI), which enables children to master:
- Synthetic phonics
- Sight recognition of common exception words
- Word decoding and encoding
- Early spelling and accurate letter formation
We believe that every child can and will learn to read, and we place a sharp focus on early reading from the very start of Reception. Our aim is to ensure that:
- Children learn to read quickly, fluently and with good understanding
- Reading becomes a habit that is loved and valued, both for pleasure and information
- Every child gains the literacy skills necessary to succeed academically and socially
This vision aligns with our wider whole-school reading strategy, which includes a progressive reading spine and a commitment to diverse, high-quality texts that reflect our community and the wider world.
Implementation
We begin teaching phonics from the first days of Reception using Read Write Inc. Children are taught to:
- Recognise the 44 common sounds in the English language
- Blend sounds to read words
- Segment sounds to spell words
- Read with fluency, expression and understanding
Our approach is:
Systematic – taught in a clear progression from Set 1 to Set 3 sounds
Consistent – delivered with fidelity by all trained staff
Adaptive – responsive to the assessed needs of each child
Children are grouped by phonics knowledge, not age, ensuring teaching is closely matched to their stage of development. These groups are reviewed at least every half term through rigorous RWI assessments led by the school’s Early Reading Leader.
Reading books are closely matched to the sounds children know, enabling them to practise decoding with increasing independence and fluency. Children are not expected to read books they cannot yet decode.
Support for the Lowest 20%
We prioritise early identification and targeted support for children who are not making expected progress, particularly the lowest 20% of readers. This includes:
- Daily 1:1 or small group intervention using RWI tutoring sessions
- Immediate feedback and error correction within lessons
- Close monitoring and reassessment to ensure rapid progress
In Key Stage 2, children who need further support continue their phonics journey through the RWI Fresh Start programme. This intervention:
- Builds reading fluency and confidence
- Uses age-appropriate, high-interest texts
- Reinforces core phonics knowledge in a supportive, small group setting
All staff delivering RWI and Fresh Start have received full training, and refresher development is part of our CPD cycle.
Impact
Our impact is measured through:
- Daily formative assessment within lessons
- Half-termly RWI assessments conducted by the Reading Leader
- Progress tracking for all groups, including disadvantaged pupils and the lowest 20%
- The number of children passing the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
- Pupil engagement with and attitudes towards reading
Children move through the programme with confidence and fluency. By the time they complete RWI, they are well-prepared for whole-class reading sessions and the broader curriculum. Those who continue to need support in Key Stage 2 receive targeted interventions until they can access age-appropriate texts independently.
Reading is not just a skill but a gateway to future learning. Our rigorous approach ensures that every child—regardless of background—has the tools they need to thrive.
How you can help at home
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Read to your child daily, and talk about the stories you share
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Listen to them read their RWI book and other books every day
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Practise the sounds on the Speed Sound Chart regularly
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Talk often and with purpose, using rich and varied vocabulary
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Attend our RWI parent workshops to learn more about phonics and how to support at home
- Visit the Parents section of the RWI website: RWI – Parents’ Portal for more tips, techniques and helpful hints
- Visit the Oxford Owl Reading at home pages: Oxford Owl Reading at home for super additional information.
If you need further advice or help with how best to help, please contact the school office at school@barncroft.waltham.sch.uk or speak to your child’s class teacher.
Parent guide to Read Write Inc. Phonics – Oxford Owl(opens in a new tab)
Information for parents and carers about the Read Write Inc phonics programme used at Barn Croft, including guides, videos and additional activities for home. Children accessing the phonics programme will take two phonics books home per week to read with an adult. We actively encourage listening to your child reading at home, daily, as well as reading high quality stories for them to enjoy.
Please click the downloadable attachments below for more information on Read Write Inc Phonics and a guide for parents.
