Phonics and Early Reading at St Thomas

Our Vision for Phonics and Early Reading at St Thomas

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At St Thomas, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking future learning and success. We are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident, fluent and enthusiastic reader.

We use the validated systematic synthetic phonics programme Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS), which aims to ensure that all children learn to read well and quickly. Through high-quality teaching, carefully matched reading books and a love of stories, we help children build the skills they need to become lifelong readers.

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Our Aim

At St Thomas, we want every child to develop the knowledge, confidence and enjoyment needed to become a successful reader.

Through phonics and early reading, children learn to:

• Recognise letters and the sounds they represent

• Blend sounds to read words accurately

• Segment words to support spelling and writing

• Read with increasing fluency and confidence

• Develop a love of books and storytelling

How Phonics and Early Reading are Taught

Children begin learning phonics from the start of Reception through daily ELS lessons. The programme follows a carefully planned sequence, enabling children to build their knowledge of sounds and letter patterns step by step.

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Across school:

Reception: Learning letter sounds, blending and early reading skills.

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Year 1: Developing fluency, applying phonics knowledge and preparing for the Phonics Screening Check.

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Year 2 and Beyond: Additional support and targeted teaching for any pupils who need further practice to become confident readers. 

 

Children read books that are closely matched to the phonics they have been taught, helping them to experience success and build confidence as readers.

Inclusive for All

We believe every child can learn to read successfully.

• Daily teaching ensures all children keep up with learning.

• Additional support is provided promptly where needed.

• Reading books are carefully matched to children's phonics knowledge.

• High expectations are maintained for all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged learners.

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Celebrating Phonics and Early Reading

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Reading is at the heart of school life at St Thomas.

We promote a love of reading through:

• Daily story time

• Reading in classrooms and across the curriculum

• Visits from authors and special reading events

• Inviting reading areas and well-stocked libraries

• Opportunities for children to share and recommend books

Children are encouraged to read widely, talk about books and develop positive reading habits that will last a lifetime.

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By the time children leave St Thomas, they:

• Read fluently and confidently

• Apply phonics knowledge accurately

• Understand and enjoy a wide range of texts

• Use reading to support learning across the curriculum

• Have developed a lifelong love of reading

Get Involved

Families play an important role in supporting early reading. We encourage parents and carers to read with their child every day, celebrate progress and enjoy sharing books together.

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