How Does it Work?

RWI teaches children to read and write using a structured method called systematic synthetic phonics. Children learn to read sounds and blend them into words, then build fluency and comprehension through carefully matched storybooks. Lessons are taught daily in small groups, ensuring every child receives the right level of support and challenge. As children progress, they also develop spelling, handwriting, and vocabulary—laying strong foundations for lifelong literacy.

What Does Phonics Look Like at Southway?

Pre-Phonics in Nursery

In Southway Nursery, children are immersed in a language-rich environment before formal phonics begins. In the autumn term, we focus on developing listening and sound awareness through six key areas:

1.      Environmental Sounds

2.      Instrumental Sounds

3.      Body Percussion

4.      Rhythm and Rhyme

5.      Alliteration

6.      Voice Sounds

These are taught through play, group times, rhymes, singing, clapping, and stories. Children explore letters informally using sand moulds, “sound of the week” activities, and modelling of writing and sounding out words. In the spring term, children begin the RWI Nursery programme, which introduces more formal phonics teaching in short, focused sessions.

Reception (EYFS2)

Children are assessed and grouped by ability. These groups are reviewed every half term to ensure children progress at their own pace.

In Reception, children begin formal phonics lessons and learn to:

·         Read 44 sounds and their corresponding letters/letter groups using picture prompts

·         Blend sounds into words using Fred Talk

·         Read storybooks and non-fiction texts matched to their phonics level

·         Work with partners to practise reading and comprehension

·         Develop vocabulary and sentence-building skills

Children work in pairs to answer questions, practise activities, and take turns reading aloud -building confidence and fluency.

Key Features of RWI

Fred Talk: Children learn to sound out words using a toy frog named Fred. For example, Fred says “c-a-t” and children blend the sounds to say “cat”.

Ditty Books: Once children can read single words, they begin reading short texts and writing simple sentences using their phonics knowledge.

Red and Green Words:

·         Green words are decodable and linked to the sounds children are learning.

·         Red words are tricky words that can’t be sounded out easily and must be learned by sight.

Dots and Dashes: These help children identify the sounds in each word.

Hold a Sentence: This activity helps children remember and write full sentences with correct spelling and punctuation.

Phonics Screening Check – Year 1

In the summer term of Year 1, children take the Phonics Screening Check—a short assessment to confirm they can decode words using phonics. It includes real and nonsense words. Children who need extra support will receive targeted help and can retake the check in Year 2.

Year 2 and Beyond

Children continue to build fluency and accuracy in reading through phonics and comprehension activities. Phonics remains a key part of the curriculum until children are confident, fluent readers. For children that continue to need support with their phonics as they progress into KS2, they may stay part of the early phonics programme or join a KS2 programme called RWI Fresh Start, which continues to provide comprehensive support and challenge for the children.

Daily Delivery

Phonics is taught every morning. It’s essential that children are in school on time to benefit fully from these lessons.

What Does Progress Look Like?

Children move through the RWI programme at their own pace, with regular assessments to ensure they are in the right group. Progress is visible in their ability to:

·         Recognise and recall sounds

·         Blend sounds into words

·         Read fluently and with understanding

·         Write confidently using phonics knowledge

For children who might need extra support, tutoring is put in place to ensure children keep up with their learning and become effective and fluent readers as early as possible.