Early Reading & Phonics

At Penwortham Primary School, we believe that learning to read is the most important skill children will acquire. Our aim is for all children to become fluent, confident readers who enjoy reading and can access the full curriculum.

Mrs Barlow is our Phonics Lead, and she oversees the teaching of early reading across school.

Our Phonics Approach

We teach early reading through Supersonic Phonics Friends, a systematic synthetic phonics programme used consistently from Pre-School and EYFS through Key Stage 1, and into Key Stage 2 where required.

Phonics is taught daily and follows a clear, progressive sequence. Children are regularly assessed so teaching is closely matched to their needs.

Reading books are fully decodable and carefully matched to the sounds children have been taught, enabling them to practise and apply their phonics knowledge successfully.

Supporting Children Who Need Extra Help

Children who need additional support with phonics or reading are identified early. Support may include:

• additional phonics sessions

• targeted keep-up or catch-up support

• continued phonics teaching beyond KS1 where appropriate

We work closely with families to support children’s reading development both at school and at home.

From Phonics to Fluent Reading

As children become secure in phonics, the focus moves towards developing:

• reading fluency

• comprehension

• vocabulary

Children read regularly in school and are supported to apply their reading skills across the curriculum.

Reading at Home

We encourage children to read regularly at home and ask families to support this wherever possible. Reading at home plays an important role in developing confidence and enjoyment.

Phonics Screening Check

All children in Year 1 take the Phonics Screening Check in the summer term. This checks children’s ability to decode words using phonics. Children who do not meet the expected standard are supported and re-checked in Year 2.

Further Information

If you have any questions about phonics or early reading, please contact Mrs Barlow (Phonics Lead) at
📧 [email protected]