At St Nicholas of Tolentine, we want our children to leave us as confident and enthusiastic readers who can decode, understand, enjoy and hold opinions on a wide range of books. Phonics forms the basis for learning to read in EYFS and KS1 and is taught thoroughly, systematically and inclusively at this school. We use the validated SSP Unlocking Letters and Sounds and ensure that pupils receive all the support they need to achieve in phonics.

Every member of staff is trained in the Unlocking Letters and Sounds accredited scheme.  

Phonics is taught daily in EYFS, Year 1 and the first 2 terms of Year 2, with regular interventions to support individual pupils.

At the end of Year 1, children sit a Phonics Screening Check, comprised of 40 decodable real and 'alien' words. Those who do not pass will receive extra intervention throughout Year 2 and beyond.

Children who are learning phonics take home a 'decodable' reading book to develop fluency with sounds they already know.

Resources for phonics are used throughout our school in accordance with the ULS scheme.