Children learn phonics, using the ‘Letters and Sounds’ scheme. ‘Letters and Sounds’ is split into six phases:
- Phase 1, which is usually taught in nursery, concentrates on environmental sounds.
- Phase 2 is based around initial sounds, and is taught in the reception class.
- Phase 3 is about learning digraphs, tricky words and reading captions.
- Phases 4-6 are taught in Years 1 and 2, although those children who are ready can move into these phases earlier.
The children are encouraged to use the skills taught in ‘Letters and Sounds’ in other lessons and free choice reading. Children are assessed regularly to make sure they are ready for the next phase. More information on Letters and Sounds can be found by searching ‘Letters and Sounds’ on Google.