At Great Kingshill Primary School, we follow a validated phonics scheme; Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS). The programme provides a simple, consistent approach to phonics, provided through interactive whiteboard lessons. ELS keeps routines simple to reduce cognitive load and maximise the chances of success. All staff in school have completed training on ELS delivered from the Knowledge Schools Trust. More information about ELS can be found at ELS - Essential Letters & Sounds (essentiallettersandsounds.org) 

Children in nursery work to develop their listening and attention and speaking and listening skills as well as fostering a love of stories and reading, which then supports them as they move into reception and on to formal phonics teaching. Every child in reception and Year 1 takes part in a daily phonics session following the ELS programme. Some may access additional phonic interventions throughout the day if this is needed. The Essential Letters and Sounds programme is separated into Phases – your child’s teacher will be able to tell you which Phase your child is currently working on. 

At the end of Year 1 children will take the phonics screening check (PSC) this is a government requirement. This is not a formal test, but a way for teachers to ensure that children are making sufficient progress with their phonics skills to read words and that they are on track to become fluent readers who can enjoy reading for pleasure and for learning.​ 

It is really important that we are saying the sounds correctly when we are supporting children with their reading. If you are unsure of how to pronounce phonic sounds correctly, the video link below offer support with this. Phonics: How to pronounce pure sounds | Oxford Owl - YouTube 

It is crucial the children practice reading at home to support the learning that takes place in school. Children will receive 1 book per week that will be matched to the learning that has taken place in phonics and they should read this at least 2 times at home. They will also be given a book that you can share with them to develop their vocabulary and understanding of the structure of stories.