At Balfour Primary School we provide an inclusive reading environment where children talk confidently about a range of texts and authors. Our aim is for every child to become a fluent, enthusiastic reader with a real love of books.

Staff model positive reading habits and regularly share what they are reading. Our curriculum draws on a wide range of literature and reflects diverse voices and experiences. We know reading unlocks the whole curriculum, so any child needing extra support receives timely catch-up.

We use Read Write Inc Phonics (RWI) to help children become confident readers. Below is a brief guide to how RWI works at Balfour. Our Phonics Leaders are Sam Sweet and Isabelle Harris, and all staff are RWI trained. If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s class teacher.

Read Write Inc at Balfour Primary School

What is RWI?
Read Write Inc is a systematic phonics programme that helps children learn to read quickly and confidently so they can focus on comprehension, vocabulary and spelling. It is designed for ages 4-7, though some children continue for longer until they are ready to move on. We learn to read with help from Fred the Frog!

How is RWI taught?
Children are assessed every 5-6 weeks and placed in small phonics groups that match their reading level. These groups are fluid and are taught by trained Teachers and Teaching Assistants within their year group.

Reception
Children learn to:
• recognise and read the 44 sounds
• blend sounds into words
• read books matched to their phonic knowledge
• answer simple comprehension questions
• form letters correctly
• build simple sentences
Children work in pairs to practise reading, writing and talking activities and develop early vocabulary.

Children needing extra support, including those with early speech or language needs, are closely monitored and parents will be informed.

Years 1 and 2
Children continue through the RWI progression, learning more complex sounds and reading books that match their phonics level. Fluency is measured by words read accurately per minute. Once fluent, children move off of the programme onto books focused on comprehension rather than decoding.

Children will always bring home a book matched to their phonic level so they can read it confidently and enjoyably.

Fresh Start (KS2)
For older children who still need phonics teaching, we use Read Write Inc Fresh Start. This follows the same principles as RWI but uses age-appropriate texts. Children are assessed and grouped in the same way, with a focus on decoding and fluency.

How can I help my child?

• Use any RWI videos sent home
• Read to your child regularly and explore different genres
• Visit libraries and bookshops to widen book choices
• Be a reading role model

Most importantly, if your child is struggling with engaging in reading, reach out to your class teacher. The below videos further explain how Phonics and RWI works:

 

How Read, Write Inc. Phonics works: https://youtu.be/MbWIujM1WGM

Understanding how Phonics works: https://youtu.be/p_6Jb0-3qz8

How to help your child learn the sounds: https://youtu.be/KUbrJPAt65g

How to listen to your child read: https://youtu.be/07DruIKFsKw 

Why read to your child?: https://youtu.be/2UmwXQwx5gk

10 things to think about when you read to your child: https://youtu.be/eqhwJhd_fNM