Phonics
At Hackthorn Primary School we are committed to the delivery of excellence in the teaching of phonics. We believe effective phonics instruction is important because letter-sound knowledge is the foundation needed to become confident early readers and writers. Being able to read is one of the most important skills children will learn during their early schooling and has far-reaching implications for lifelong confidence and well-being. We aim to teach high quality phonics to ensure the children have the best start possible.
At Hackthorn, we use the Twinkl Phonics Scheme to support the systematic teaching of phonics throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1.
Twinkl Phonics is a rigorous, fully comprehensive, DfE-validated synthetic phonics programme that helps children develop the key skills of reading, writing, and spelling through fun, engaging, and structured lessons. The scheme is designed to build confidence and fluency, following a clear progression through six levels (formerly known as phases).
Our main reading support material is provided by Twinkl’s Rhino Readers. This library of texts aligns with our phonics goals and is tailored to support DfE-approved Twinkl Phonics. They engage children through fiction and non-fiction texts that are up-to-date and representative of today’s society.
Why Twinkl Phonics?
- Fully aligned with the National Curriculum
- Developed by experienced teachers and phonics specialists
- Uses a wide variety of resources including interactive games, songs, and stories
- Supports all learning styles and is inclusive for all pupils
- Builds strong foundations in early reading and writing
What Do Lessons Look Like?
Each session includes:
- Revisit and review of previous learning
- Teach – introducing new phonemes (sounds) or graphemes (letters or groups of letters)
- Practice – blending and segmenting words using new and familiar sounds
- Apply – reading or writing words and sentences with the new phoneme
- Assessment opportunities to monitor progress
Children are also introduced to decodable reading books that match their phonics stage, helping them to read independently and with enjoyment.
Supporting Your Child at Home
Parents and carers are a key part of a child’s reading journey. You can support at home by:
- Practising the sounds your child is learning in school
- Reading together daily and discussing books
- Encouraging your child to sound out and blend unfamiliar words
- Using online resources (like Twinkl Go!) where appropriate
We are proud to use a phonics scheme that not only supports early literacy but also makes learning enjoyable and accessible for every child.
We deliver training support for parents and guardians, as well as providing regular communication in updating the current learning objectives and individual targets. Workshops are held to inform and support parents to help their child at home. (You can download a presentation Phonics Info Evening help.pptx)
As they progress through the school children are introduced to more complex word structures often linked to spelling strategies. As they become competent, independent readers they can choose from a range of fiction and non-fiction books.
If you have any questions or would like more information about Twinkl Phonics, please speak to your child’s class teacher or visit Twinkl Phonics Website.
Please see our Phonics Policy below:
The Phonics Play website is used widely in school and can be accessed by parents at home for a small annual subscription.
Have a look at Mr Thorne’s phonics on You Tube - he has lots of useful videos there
