At Stokenchurch Primary School we teach phonics using the DfE approved Twinkl Phonics Scheme which is a multi-sensory approach to learning phonics that allows children to access a variety of different teaching methods to support their journey to reading and writing successfully. 

Intent

The Twinkl Phonics Programme offers a coherently planned sequence of lessons that supports the effective teaching of phonics within EYFS, KS1 and, where appropriate, KS2. Level 1 Twinkl Phonics provides themed teaching packs for F1 to deliver each of the DfE’s Phase 1 phonics aspects. Throughout Level 1, young learners develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to discriminate between and use auditory, environmental and instrumental sounds. Level 1 is taught in the EYFS and runs throughout the teaching of phonics Levels 2-6. In Reception, children work within Levels 2-4. The total number of teaching weeks for Levels 2, 3 and 4 do not fill the whole academic year. This has been planned to allow for additional consolidation if required, assessment time and it also takes into account the events that take place throughout the year such as Christmas productions, school trips etc. In Levels 2-4, learners are introduced to phonemes/sounds and graphemes/letters systematically. They also learn to develop and apply blending and segmenting skills for reading and writing.

In KS1, children work within Levels 5 and 6. The coherently planned sequence of lessons within Level 5 allows opportunities for children to apply their phonics knowledge and skills as the prime approach to reading and spelling. It focuses on phonetically decodable two-syllable and three-syllable words and the alternative ways of pronouncing and representing the long vowel phonemes. Furthermore, children will develop their ability to attempt to read and spell increasingly complex words. During Level 6, children explore spelling patterns and grammar while also developing a breadth of knowledge, skills and understanding in the recognition and spelling of common exception words.

The Twinkl Phonics Programme intends to not only provide children with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding essential for reading and writing, but also, to develop each child’s confidence, resilience and engagement in phonics lessons and a love for reading and writing. It takes into account that not all children progress at the same rate so provides teachers with the tools they need to bridge this gap. For those children who are working below age related expectations, phonics learning shouldn’t end in KS1. If, through assessment and observation, teachers decide that a child needs further phonics intervention, Twinkl Codebreakers, a comprehensive and scripted intervention programme, can be used. It is specifically designed for KS2 pupils to close the gap and develop essential reading and writing skills.

Implementation

The Twinkl Phonics Progression Map sets clear expectations for pupils’ progress within the Twinkl Phonics Programme. The tracking document allows headteachers, senior leaders, teachers and practitioners to track pupils’ progress. It provides opportunities for data analysis and encourages discussions around pupil progress, group progress, future learning and misconceptions, enabling our staff to respond and adapt teaching within the programme to provide additional support and challenge to pupils. The dynamic and engaging materials delivered in the daily lesson packs within Levels 2-6 ensure a clearly defined structure to the teaching of phonics. The direct teacher-led lessons enable all learners to develop and apply new skills, while also providing opportunities to further apply these skills within fun and engaging activities and through continuous provision. The lesson presentations, stories, games, additional texts and toolkits are meticulously planned to allow children to apply and practise phonics skills. They also offer opportunities to challenge learners and provide support to teachers and parents. Teacher guides for each stage are provided to allow teachers and adults working with children to feel confident in their own subject knowledge, knowing they are fulfilling the national phonics criteria and enabling each child to achieve their potential.

Impact

The impact of using the complete Twinkl Phonics Programme (including lesson packs, display photos and weekly planning) as the basis of our phonics teaching within EYFS and KS1, will be for children to develop their phonics skills and knowledge through a systematic, synthetic approach, while covering the statutory requirements outlined in the 2014 National Curriculum. It provides sufficient support for children to become fluent readers and prepares them for the statutory Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. Following the programme gives schools a consistent approach to phonics, which is clear to teaching staff and learners.