Phonics in Year 1

Reading plays a crucial role in giving our children the best possible start on their academic journey, opening doors to countless opportunities throughout their lives. From the second week of the Year R term, children begin learning phonics, and their progress is formally assessed at the end of Year 1 through the Government’s Phonics Screening Check. However, this is not the only time their progress is monitored — we carry out assessments at the end of each half term to ensure every child is on track. Where additional support is needed, targeted interventions are provided throughout the school day.

Since introducing the ELS programme, our reading standards have remained consistently high, ensuring that children are set up for success from the very beginning. Each week, children take home a phonics book that aligns with the sounds they have been learning. In addition, we use the Oxford Owl online reading library to give children further access to books matched to their phonics level. Those receiving interventions are given books specifically chosen to support their individual learning needs.

Children who do not meet the expected standard in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check will have the opportunity to retake it in Year 2. Across the school, we continue to revisit and reinforce the foundations of phonics whenever necessary to support every child’s progress.

The data below show the percentage of children passing the phonics check over the past three years, alongside national comparison figures.