Reading & Phonics

At Baskerville School, we are committed to developing confident, fluent readers through the consistent use of the Read Write Inc. programme. This systematic and engaging approach to phonics supports children at every stage of their development, including the crucial pre-reading phase. We place a strong emphasis on early skills such as listening, attention, oral blending, and language development, ensuring that pupils are fully prepared to begin formal reading. 

Our Approach to Reading at Baskerville School 

 

  • acknowledges that stimulus (e.g. smell, sound, facial expressions) carries meaning 
  • acknowledges that objects carry meaning
  •  teaches that photographs and pictures represent objects, people and places, and carry meaning
  •  teaches that symbols can be used as labels to access text 
  • ensures that narrative can be accessed through sensory-based activities
  •  emphasises systematic synthetic phonics as our favoured approach to teaching reading using the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme
  •  teaches the reading of words, new vocabulary and comprehension 

Intent 

At Baskerville School, our aim is that every pupil will be able to communicate in the way best suited to their individual needs, both in school and in the wider community. We provide a ‘Total Communication’ environment so that pupils are enabled to communicate whenever and wherever they are, at their own ability level. 
We also aim to provide a rich and broad literacy experience through verbal, non-verbal and written forms, carefully matched to the developmental needs of each child. We strive to build strong foundations for reading and writing, enabling pupils to access these skills at the highest level possible in a way that is meaningful to them. These skills can then be transferred to daily life beyond school, supporting pupils to access an increasingly independent life in adulthood. 
At Baskerville School, we intend for pupils to: 
  • understand their immediate environment so they feel secure and ready to engage in learning 
  • use objects, photos and symbols to anticipate and predict
  •  read words
  •  foster a love for stories and literature 
  • read purposefully to gain information from non-fiction texts 
  • apply reading skills to engage with the wider community in preparation for life after school 

Implementation 

Read Write Inc. phonics is a DfE-validated, bespoke and rigorous Systematic Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme. It is organised using repetitive over-reading; pupils are scaffolded in their learning and progress is carefully structured. Read Write Inc. phonics materials are delivered by trained staff, ensuring consistency and fidelity to the programme. 
The resources are multi-sensory and include pictograms, rhyming phrases, actions and sounds. The visuals are based on concrete and relatable objects, making the programme memorable and accessible for pupils, particularly those with additional needs, including autism. 
Through daily, structured lessons, pupils are taught in small, targeted groups and one to one which matches their individual stage of development. This allows staff to provide focused support and appropriate challenge, enabling every child to make strong progress. As children move through the programme, they learn to recognise sounds, blend them to read words, and develop accuracy and fluency
Alongside phonics, pupils build comprehension, vocabulary, and a love of reading through carefully matched texts. At Baskerville, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking the wider curriculum. By embedding Read Write Inc. and supporting pre-reading development, we nurture enthusiastic, capable readers who are well-prepared for future learning and lifelong success. 

Phonics at Baskerville

  • The Read Write Inc. phonics programme is introduced when pupils have developed the communication and language skills required to access it. At Baskerville School, this typically occurs when pupils are no longer working within the Engagement Model. 
  • The use of Read Write Inc. across the school allows phonics to be delivered in discrete sessions where appropriate. Pupils’ phonics levels are monitored every term by class teachers to ensure progression is on track and that teaching is relevant and targeted. 
  • Pupils engaged in Read Write Inc. are formally assessed using a Sound Analysis Grid and a Phonics Tracker twice yearly.  
Useful links - https://www.ruthmiskin.com/  
Parent Page - https://www.ruthmiskin.com/parentsandcarers/