Phonics Teaching at St George's in Reception and Key Stage 1

Throughout Reception and Key Stage 1, St George's uses the 'Sounds Write' scheme of learning - approved by the DfE.  It aims to build children's knowledge of sounds using both verbal and written activities. It sets out a detailed and systematic programme for teaching pure phonics to children with the aim of them becoming fluent readers.

To further support children's reading development, we also exclusively use the reading scheme produced by Phonic Books - Dandelion Launchers and Dandelion Readers - to reinforce the 'Sounds Write' phonics programme until children in Early Years and KS1 have successfully learnt the phonics phases.  

At St George's, we highly value the strong relationships we build with parents and carers and recognise them as essential partners in supporting every child's phonics development. Working together helps children make the best possible progress in learning to read and write. As part of our commitment to high-quality phonics teaching, we ensure that children are taught using pure sounds (phonemes), helping them blend and segment words accurately and confidently. We encourage parents and carers to use the same pure sounds at home to provide consistency and support learning. 

Why pure sounds matter:
Using pure sounds without adding extra vowel sounds helps children blend words more easily and develop accurate reading and spelling skills. Consistent use of pure sounds at school and at home gives children the best foundation for becoming confident, fluent readers.

Please watch the video below for examples of how pure sounds are correctly pronounced.