Phonics
Phonics at Wolsey House Primary School is taught using the Anne Smallberger ALS Phonics Approach, which provides a highly structured, systematic programme of learning. In Nursery, children develop pre-phonics skills using the Emma Spires Super Sounds programme alongside ALS Phase 1. In Reception and Key Stage 1, teaching focuses on the explicit teaching of grapheme–phoneme correspondence, blending for reading and segmenting for spelling. Lessons are carefully sequenced so that new learning builds securely on prior knowledge.
In Reception and Key Stage 1, phonics is taught daily. Lessons follow a consistent structure that supports recall, introduction of new learning, guided practice and application. Pupils are taught to recognise and accurately pronounce phonemes, enabling them to blend sounds to read words. They also learn to identify phonemes and write the corresponding graphemes, segment words to spell. Multi-sensory strategies are used to reinforce learning and support memory.
The ALS approach emphasises overlearning, repetition and immediate application to ensure that learning is secure. Teachers closely monitor pupils’ responses during lessons and adapt teaching to address misconceptions quickly. Reading books and classroom texts are closely matched to pupils’ current phonics knowledge so that pupils experience success and build confidence.
As pupils progress, phonics teaching includes alternative graphemes, digraphs, trigraphs and more complex spelling patterns. Pupils are supported to apply phonics knowledge within their writing, alongside developing spelling strategies.
In Key Stage 2, phonics continues to be used as an intervention for pupils who have not yet secured early reading skills to provide targeted, structured support to ensure gaps are addressed and pupils can access age-appropriate texts.