At Churchend Primary Academy, the systemic teaching of synthetic phonics begins in Nursery.  In Foundation stage (EYFS) the children are assessed and grouped according to their phonic knowledge.  They participate in structured, daily phonics lessons. Diligent and concentrated phonics teaching continues throughout Key Stage 1 and into Key Stage 2. Pupils are given opportunities to apply what they have learnt through reading – including time to read aloud to adults to practice their decoding skills – writing and comprehension of what they are reading.  Read Write Inc. (an approved synthetic phonics programme) is in place to deliver this highly structured phonics programme. Children are regularly assessed by the programme manager and move rapidly to acquire the skills and knowledge required for children to become confident readers and writers. Furthermore children participate in shared and guided reading sessions in Key Stage 2, appropriate to their age and ability.

Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 children are regularly assessed through a combination of comprehension and miscue analysis (PM Benchmarking). They are then placed on developmental levels according to their ability.  This forms the basis for the home and guided reading.  Children are tracked using the Assessment Focuses and from Year 2, termly using National tests and NFER assessment resources that enable benchmarking nationally. We use a wide range of banded reading schemes to fulfil the individual needs of each child.