We encourage children to develop a love of reading through discussion, singing and sharing books together. Children are taught phonics through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised scheme. They learn each sound systematically and how to blend sounds for reading words. They then read in a group three times a week looking at different skills each time: word reading, prosody (expression and intonation) and comprehension. Alongside this, children are encouraged to write each letter and begin to write words to label pictures or models and gradually write sentences which they have said aloud before writing.

ELG: Comprehension

Children at the expected level of development will: 

- Demonstrate understanding of what has been read to them by retelling stories and narratives using their own words and recently introduced vocabulary;

- Anticipate – where appropriate – key events in stories;

- Use and understand recently introduced vocabulary during discussions about stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems and during role-play.

ELG: Word Reading

Children at the expected level of development will:

- Say a sound for each letter in the alphabet and at least 10 digraphs;

- Read words consistent with their phonic knowledge by sound-blending;

- Read aloud simple sentences and books that are consistent with their phonic knowledge, including some common exception words.

ELG: Writing

Children at the expected level of development will:

- Write recognisable letters, most of which are correctly formed;

- Spell words by identifying sounds in them and representing the sounds with a letter or letters;

- Write simple phrases and sentences that can be read by others.