Reading & Phonics

Phonics

Intent

At St Thomas More, we want every child to develop a strong foundation in reading from the very beginning of their learning journey. We believe that reading is the key to unlocking all areas of the curriculum, and we are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident, fluent, and enthusiastic reader. By using a systematic phonics approach, we aim to give children the essential skills they need to decode words, build fluency, and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Implementation

From Reception to Year 2, children are taught to read through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds phonics programme. This is a carefully structured, systematic scheme that introduces sounds in a clear sequence and gives children daily opportunities to practise and apply their phonics knowledge. Lessons include a balance of teaching new sounds, revisiting prior learning, and practising blending for reading and segmenting for spelling.
Children read fully decodable books that are closely matched to their phonics stage, giving them the chance to apply their knowledge with confidence. Staff receive regular training to ensure high-quality, consistent delivery of the programme across the school.

Impact

As a result of this approach, children quickly gain the skills they need to decode words and develop accuracy and fluency in their reading. They become confident readers who can access texts independently and with enjoyment. By the end of Key Stage 1, most children are well-prepared for the transition into more complex texts and whole class reading sessions in Key Stage 2. Above all, our pupils develop a positive attitude towards reading, seeing it not only as a skill to master but as a source of enjoyment, imagination, and discovery.

Programme-Overview_Reception_2025.pdf

Programme-progression_Year-1_2025.pdf

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Whole Class Reading

Intent

At St Thomas More, we aim to foster a love of reading by immersing children in high-quality texts that inspire curiosity and a deeper understanding of language. Our whole class approach to reading ensures that every child, regardless of ability, has access to the same rich and varied literature. By engaging with a wide range of texts, children become “text detectives,” developing their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Our goal is to equip pupils with the tools to become confident, fluent readers who can draw meaning from texts and apply these skills across the curriculum and beyond.

Implementation

Whole Class Reading sessions are delivered daily and focus on six key reading domains:

Vocabulary – exploring and explaining the meaning of words in context.
Inference – using evidence from the text to make and justify inferences.
Prediction – anticipating what might happen next, based on details and implications.
Explanation – identifying how information and narrative content contribute to overall meaning.
Retrieval – locating and recording key details from both fiction and non-fiction.
Sequence or Summarise – sequencing events and summarising main ideas with clarity.

Teachers model high-quality reading and guide children through structured discussions, encouraging them to articulate their ideas, challenge one another, and deepen their understanding. This consistent approach ensures that all pupils have regular opportunities to practice and refine these essential skills.

Impact

Through this approach, children at St Thomas More develop into confident and reflective readers who can think critically about the texts they encounter. They demonstrate a growing mastery of vocabulary, comprehension, and analytical skills, which support their learning across the curriculum. Pupils leave our school with a love of reading, the ability to engage meaningfully with a wide range of texts, and the confidence to tackle new and challenging material. Our Whole Class Reading strategy builds not only strong readers but also lifelong learners who appreciate the power and pleasure of books.

How can i support my child reading at home?

St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School

Reading & Phonics

Phonics

Whole Class Reading

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All Saints Catholic Academy Trust (ASCAT)