At Heatherside Junior School, phonics learning continues for those children that have not achieved the required Key Stage 1 curriculum. As most of our children come to us from Heatherside Infant School, they are taught using the same phonics scheme: the ‘Twinkl’ Validated Systematic Synthetic Phonics Scheme, which provides a systematic framework for progression. This ensures consistency for the children and helps build upon their prior knowledge.  

In Year 3, children are assessed at the start of the Autumn Term to determine which phase they need to be taught. They are then grouped accordingly and learning is achieved either during whole class sessions or during interventions. Children are then reassessed at the end of each phase or each term, whichever comes first. As well as their banded reading book, children are also given a reading book that matches the phonics phase they are being taught.  

Children are also encouraged to use their phonics knowledge when reading and spelling unfamiliar words.   

In subsequent year groups, the Twinkl scheme is supplemented by resources from other schemes to consolidate learning and provide variety. Learning is achieved during group interventions and children are regularly assessed to ensure progression.  

Phonics Information for Parents

Some of our children are still developing their phonics skills as part of both Reading and Spelling.  This may be delivered as part of whole class teaching or as an intervention. In partnership with Heatherside Infant School, the phonics scheme we use is Twinkl Phonics.