Phonics & Reading
Phonics & Reading
Children are taught systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) from Year R through to the end of Year 2 following the Kempshott Infant School Phonics Programme in daily lessons. We provide whole-class daily phonics sessions that are multisensory and include cued articulation, rhymes and opportunities to read and write when children are ready. Children are able to blend sounds into words to learn to read as well as segment words to write.
In Year R the children work through Steps 1-4. Step 1 focusses on developing speaking and listening skills, preparing children for reading by improving phonological awareness. Aspects such as environmental sounds, rhythm, rhyme and alliteration form the basis of this first step. In Steps 2-4, children are taught single sounds, digraphs, trigraphs and consonant blends. Steps 3 and 4 are consolidated in Year 1 along with Step 5 sounds which help to build on what they have previously been taught. In Year 2 the children recap Step 5 and are introduced to alternative spellings, suffixes and prefixes. This stepped approach helps children to become more fluent and confident readers and writers.
Reading books are matched to the Steps so that children can practise the phonics learnt in class. Children on Orange books and below also take home a ‘starred reader’, to help develop a love of reading. These books are for parents and families to share with their child as they may contain sounds / words that they have not yet been taught.
Once children's phonics knowledge is secure, and they are becoming confident readers, they will move onto Turquoise band books. At this point, our attention turns to fluency and comprehension. A variety of different books are available to them. As well as physical books, we have an e-library platform (Oxford Owl) that every child has access to. In addition, a variety of different sharing books are used from our school library. Our library offers children a variety of fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. All children, regardless of reading ability are able to access the school library.
Reading for Pleasure
Reading is at the heart of all our learning at Kempshott Infant School. We know that reading has a huge impact on children’s education; therefore, we actively encourage reading for pleasure. Our children have opportunities throughout the day to read. These are during quiet reading time, within our library sessions, where pupils can choose a book of interest to them, or outside at lunchtime.
Reading For Pleasure – Why is it so important?
" Reading for pleasure is a key indicator of future success…” Adapted from Reading Framework implementation guidance, DfE 2023
"The impact of reading for pleasure upon children's life outcomes cannot be understated – with the potential to improve their confidence, well-being, wider literacy skills and academic success." National Literacy Trust 2025
How can you help at home?
We encourage all our children to read at least 5 times a week at home. This can be a mixture of reading with support from an adult and independent reading. It can be their school reading book, a magazine, newspaper, library book, or any other book that children would enjoy reading. This helps them to become fluent readers and develop their confidence in reading, allowing them to make progress across the whole school curriculum. Children who read at least 5 times a week at home will be entered into our weekly year group reading raffle, with the chance to win a book.
How to Support Reading at Home:
- Establish a Routine: Read daily, such as before bed, to build consistency.
- Make it Active: Ask questions about the story, discuss pictures, and encourage your child to make up stories.
- Diversify Choices: Offer a variety of books, including comics, non-fiction, and stories, to cater to different interests.
- Be a Role Model: Let children see you reading, showing them it is a fun, valued activity.
- Take Breaks: Reading requires mental effort, so it is fine to take breaks to keep it enjoyable.
Why does reading at home help children?
Reading at home helps children to:
- Build strong language skills — Children pick up new words and learn how stories and sentences work.
- Deepen connections — Sharing books creates calm, meaningful moments together and helps children understand emotions.
- Develop their imagination — Stories spark creativity and curiosity about the world
It also:
- Supports healthy brain development — Regular reading strengthens focus, memory, and thinking skills.
- Gives children a head start at school — Early reading habits make learning to read and write much easier.
The video below is a short 'how to' guide in supporting your child with reading at home.