English

At Hambleton Primary School, children are introduced to synthetic phonics as soon as they start with us in EYFS.  Children are taught using Jolly Phonics which is a comprehensive programme, based on a fun and multi-sensory synthetic phonics method that gets children reading and writing from an early age.

The children work on phonic knowledge every day through dedicated sessions, as well as having opportunities to apply their skills through games, activities and songs. This is in addition to reading and writing.

Jolly phonics and Jolly Grammar continue to inform the teaching and learning of phonics, spelling and grammar as children continue through KS1.

As children become fluent readers and have developed all reading skills, they are given access to Accelerated Reading Programme. The internet-based software assesses reading age, and suggests books that match pupils' needs and interests. Pupils take computerised quizzes on the books and earn AR points as they progress.

We are able to offer the children of Hambleton School a range of reading materials to support their love of reading: 

• In EYFS and Key Stage 1 Oxford Reading Tree books and Big Cat Collins books are used as home readers to build fluency, confidence and discussion around books. These are closely matched to their phonics ability and comprehension skills.
• Big Cat Collins books are used as a basis for our guided reading scheme in Key Stage 1. Guided reading is used to teach decoding and comprehension skills in small groups at this early stage. Through guided reading, children have the opportunity to read and talk about books with a group of peers, led by an adult.
• From Year 2, reading is taught as a whole class using high quality texts.
• From Year 2 the Accelerated Reader (AR) system is used – this allows children to be rewarded for decoding and comprehension skills, which are assessed through online quizzes.
• The school library and class reading areas offer a wide range of age-appropriate books that can be read for pleasure. 

Click here to download Phonics Screening Check - Year 1 Presentation