At West Croft we recognise reading as a key life skill, which underpins access to the rest of the curriculum. We aim for children to read words and simple sentences by the end of Reception, become successful, fluent readers by the end of Key Stage 1 and develop a lifelong love of reading as they move through the school. The systematic teaching of synthetic phonics, using our tailored Letters and Sounds programme, is given a high propriety throughout the early Years and KS1. Children need to learn key phonic knowledge and develop skills in segmenting and blending to complete the phonics check at the end of year 1 and as part of developing fluency in reading.

We also value and encourage pupils to read for enjoyment and recognise that this starts with the foundations of acquiring letters sounds, segmenting and blending skills- enjoying success and gaining confidence from a positive experience.

Phonics workshops are offered throughout the year to ensure parents know how to best support their child at home. We have an emphasis on handwriting during the phonics session to ensure letter formation is developed from an early age.