Phonics
Intent
At Stockbridge Village, the intent of our phonics programme using Little Wondle is to systematically and effectively teach children the essential skills needed to become fluent readers and confident spellers. We recognise that phonics is a fundamental building block of literacy, and our aim is to ensure that all pupils develop a secure understanding of the alphabetic code and the ability to apply this knowledge in decoding words accurately and fluently. By implementing Little Wondle, we intend to provide a structured and progressive approach to phonics instruction that is engaging, inclusive, and tailored to meet the needs of every learner, irrespective of their starting point or background.
Implementation
Our implementation of phonics using Little Wondle is rooted in best practices and the latest research in literacy education. We follow a structured programme that introduces sounds systematically, starting with the most common and simplest grapheme-phoneme correspondences and gradually progressing to more complex patterns. Daily phonics sessions are interactive, multisensory, and highly engaging, incorporating a range of activities such as sound blending, segmenting, word building, and reading decodable texts. We use a variety of resources, including Little Wondle’s digital platform, interactive games, and decodable books to reinforce and extend phonics learning both in and out of the classroom. Our highly skilled teachers receive regular training and support to deliver high-quality phonics instruction, and we provide additional support and interventions for pupils who require extra help to secure their phonics knowledge.
Impact
The impact of our phonics programme using Little Wondle at Stockbridge Village Primary school is evident in the progress and attainment of our pupils. By the end of Key Stage 1, the vast majority of children have become fluent readers and are able to decode unfamiliar words independently. They demonstrate a secure understanding of phonics concepts and are able to apply their skills confidently in reading and writing across the curriculum. Our pupils show a love for reading and have a broad vocabulary, thanks to their strong foundation in phonics. The attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers has narrowed significantly, highlighting the effectiveness of our inclusive approach to phonics instruction.