Early Reading & Phonics
We follow the Read Write Inc programme in Reception and Key Stage 1. This programme includes a systematic and dynamic whole-school approach to teaching phonics.
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 follow a phonics programme that supports their individual reading level. As part of the scheme, we also use the Read Write Inc reading books that coincide with the sounds taught in school in one given week. Children complete daily phonics for 30 minutes and are grouped according to their reading level/ability. We teach new sounds then apply learning through reading a RWI book and answer comprehension questions to check reading for meaning.
Teachers carefully choose and send home a corresponding Read Write Inc book-bag book that is a phonetically decodable reading book, containing sounds the children have been taught. The book-bag books also contain useful questions for parents, when discussing the story at home. Children also receive a home reading record, which allows parents to record any information they wish to pass on to the class teacher regarding the books read.
In addition, we complete a daily 15 minute afternoon phonics session, focusing on speedy sounds.
Children who need extra support to maintain progress are supported 1-1 though reading tutoring every afternoon.
Please find our RWI Progression document below:
Children who have completed the RWI programme, have daily 30 minute reading lessons, focusing on developing reading skills and spelling through applying their knowledge of alternative graphemes. Children reading beyond RWI books move onto white and lime level before starting Oxford Owl Reading Scheme.
Children also have access to our school library where they choose from a wide range of books that can be enjoyed, with the support of parents, at home. Children in Key Stage Two also access the ‘Read Write Inc’ programme through group or one to one intervention where required and also to reinforce any tricky sounds or alternative pronunciation/spellings.
What is Read Write Inc Phonics?
In school, we also use Ruth Muskin’s Virtual Classroom to support targeted learning at home. For more information about this, please click here.
Information for parents and families
We regularly invite parents to Reading meetings where we explain how we teach early reading as well as provide guidance on how they can support reading further at home.
To view our latest Reading Meeting for parents, see below.
pelton reading meeting 2025.pdf
With help supporting your child at home with their targeted sounds, please read following leaflets:
Promoting a love of Reading
At Pelton and Beamish Federation we are passionate about developing a love for reading.
Each class has timetabled visit to our school library, where we have a wide range of books including: Fiction, Non-Fiction and Poetry as well as comics and annuals. Children can choose a library book to take home and read. We also have built strong links with Pelton library and we visit the library regularly. Each class has a ticket to take out books, chosen by the children to supplement class reading areas at school.
We hold a yearly Scholastic School Book Fair and linked events as well as celebrating World Book Day with library visits and story carousels.
We hold parent reading meetings to provide support and guidance on reading at home.
Reading aloud to our children is very important to us and in our Literacy lessons we offer opportunities to explore different types of books from our reading spine.
In EYFS and KS1, we also vote daily for picture books we would like to hear read during the day. We also have a bedtime book box that goes home every week, that contains a year group recommended reader, a cuddly toy and a sachet of hot chocolate to enjoy at bedtime as a family.
Further Information
The success of the Read Write Inc programme has been referenced in ‘HMI Ofsted report Reading by six; How the best schools do it, use Read Write Inc. Phonics.’ Please click the link to find out more.
Gov.UK Reading By Six – How The Best Schools Do It
Further information of the Read Write Inc Phonics program can be found at Oxford University Press – Reading Write Inc.