Teaching Phonics at Cedarwood
Our approach to teaching phonics
At Cedarwood Primary School, we recognise that developing strong phonics knowledge is fundamental to learning to read and write. We use Twinkl Phonics, a DfE validated systematic synthetic phonics programme, to provide a consistent, structured approach from Reception through Key Stage 1.
Our phonics teaching follows a clear progression, enabling children to build their knowledge of phonemes (sounds), graphemes (letters or groups of letters representing sounds) and common exception words. Children are taught to apply their phonics knowledge to blend sounds for reading and segment words for writing and spelling.
Lessons follow a consistent structure:
Revisit and Review → Teach → Practise → Apply → Assess
This enables children to revisit previously taught knowledge, learn new Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondences (GPCs), practise applying their developing knowledge and demonstrate what they have learned.
Developing confident readers
Children are given regular opportunities to apply their phonics knowledge when reading words, sentences and fully decodable texts. Carefully matched reading books support children in practising the sounds and words they have been taught, helping them to develop accuracy, fluency and confidence.
Alongside phonics teaching, children are encouraged to develop a love of reading through a wide range of books, stories and texts.
Assessment and supporting progress
Assessment is an integral part of our phonics teaching. Teachers use ongoing formative assessment during lessons to identify children's understanding and respond to misconceptions or gaps in knowledge. Twinkl assessment materials are also used to monitor progress and identify children who may require additional practice or support.
Children who need further support receive targeted opportunities to revisit and practise previously taught sounds and skills. This may include additional phonics practice, small-group work or individual intervention, depending on their needs.
Our approach ensures that children are supported to develop secure phonics knowledge while continuing to build their confidence and independence as readers.
Supporting all learners
We recognise that children learn at different rates and may require different levels of support. Our phonics teaching is adapted where appropriate to meet the needs of SEND, EAL and other pupils who require additional support.
Resources such as sound mats, visual prompts, practical activities and additional opportunities for repetition and practice are used to help children access their learning and become increasingly independent.
Working with families
We value the partnership between home and school in supporting children's reading development. Parents and carers are encouraged to practise the sounds and words that children are learning in school and to read regularly with their child.
We provide information and resources to help families understand our phonics approach and support reading at home.
Phonics progression
Our phonics progression document sets out the order in which sounds, graphemes and common exception words are introduced. This ensures that children develop their phonics knowledge systematically and have regular opportunities to revisit and apply what they have learned.
At Cedarwood, our aim is for every child to develop the secure phonics knowledge, reading fluency and confidence they need to become successful, enthusiastic and lifelong readers.