We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, ensuring a systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) approach. Pupils learn to decode words by breaking them into phonemes and blending sounds to form words.

Intent

At Sunnyside Primary Academy, we strive for all pupils to become fluent readers and writers, equipped with the skills to decode, spell, and read with comprehension. Our aims are for pupils to:

• Build a solid foundation in phonics, mastering the alphabetic code to read and spell confidently.
• Tackle unfamiliar words with ease and read regularly for pleasure.
• See themselves as readers for both enjoyment and academic purpose.
• Be taught with fidelity to the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme.

Aspiring for Excellence

We implement a structured, systematic phonics programme from Reception, following the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised progression. Daily phonics lessons (30 minutes) begin in Week 2 of the Autumn term, starting with Phase 2 and 3 GPCs in Reception and moving to Phase 5 in Year 1.

• Reception: Phase 2 and 3 GPCs, and words with adjacent consonants (Phase 4).
• Year 1: Review Phase 3 and 4, teach Phase 5 GPCs.

Enriching Language and Communication

Phonics instruction is carefully designed to improve pupils' ability to read with fluency, expression, and understanding. Regular reading practice sessions focus on decoding, prosody (reading with understanding and expression), and comprehension.

Building Community

Phonics learning extends beyond the classroom. We encourage parent involvement through workshops and online access to decodable books. This partnership helps reinforce learning at home and celebrates reading success.

Broadening Horizons

Our phonics programme uses a range of culturally inclusive reading materials, helping pupils connect with diverse stories and perspectives, fostering a wider appreciation of the world around them.

Building a Knowledge-Rich Foundation

We follow a rigorous, knowledge-rich phonics curriculum that ensures pupils can confidently decode words, understand texts, and build the literacy skills required for broader learning. Regular assessments monitor progress, and Keep-Up lessons ensure that any gaps in learning are addressed promptly.

Implementation

• Daily Phonics Lessons: 30-minute sessions, with extra practice for those needing additional support.
• Reading Practice: Small-group sessions three times a week, using books matched to pupils’ phonics knowledge.
• Home Reading: Decodable books and reading-for-pleasure books are sent home, ensuring families are part of the learning journey.
• Assessment: Continuous assessment identifies support needs, with summative assessments every six weeks to track progress.

Impact

Through high-quality phonics instruction, pupils at Sunnyside:

• Master phonics to read and spell accurately.
• Become confident, resilient readers for both pleasure and purpose.
• Develop the perseverance needed to overcome challenges in their learning journey.

We aim for all pupils to pass the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check and continue their literacy development as they progress through school.