Reading & Spelling
Reading
In Reception and Year 1, we promote a ‘phonics first’ approach and in both our guided reading sessions at school and in the books children take home, texts are very closely matched to a child’s current phonics knowledge so that every child can experience real success in their reading. In these early stages of reading, we primarily use books from Ransom Reading Stars Phonics, to ensure complete to the Unlocking Letters and Sounds progression we follow.
Once children progress beyond decodable texts, they move onto our book scheme so that they can continue to flourish in their decoding, fluency and comprehension skills to become avid, expert readers.
FVA Reading strategy – summary
As children progress into Years 2 and KS2, we teach reading skills in daily Whole Class Reading sessions. Texts are selected for purpose: sometimes, these texts are those that we will be using within our Writers units and sometimes they link to our current state of being. We use a range of fiction and non-fiction texts as we support our learners in developing fluency and understanding.
Phonics at Frome Vale Academy – Unlocking Letters and Sounds
At FVA, we use the Unlocking Letters and Sounds programme to deliver high-quality phonics teaching that supports every child in becoming a confident and fluent reader.
Unlocking Letters and Sounds is a DfE-validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme, designed by experienced educators who understand the realities of classroom teaching. It builds on the strengths of the original 2007 Letters and Sounds framework, while providing all the resources, guidance, and training needed to ensure consistency and success across the school.
Unlocking Letters and Sounds – website
Key Features of the Programme:
- Structured Progression: Children begin phonics lessons in the first weeks of Reception, learning the 44 phonemes of the English language and over 150 graphemes in a carefully sequenced way.
- Daily Lessons: Phonics is taught through engaging daily sessions, supported by fully decodable reading books matched to each child’s current phonics knowledge.
- Assessment and Intervention: Regular assessments help identify children who need additional support. Bespoke 1:1 interventions ensure no child is left behind.
- Consistency and Fidelity: The programme ensures a consistent approach across all classes, supported by comprehensive planning, assessment tools, and staff training.
- Reading for Pleasure: Children are immersed in a language-rich curriculum that fosters a love of reading alongside strong decoding skills.
In reception, year 1 and year 2, alongside the decodable reading books which children read to and with support of their adults, children also take home a Sharing Book. This is a story book for the children to enjoy listening to and joining in with, further fostering a love of reading and developing important language and vocabulary skills.
Impact on Learning:
Children at Frome Vale make rapid progress in their reading journey. By the end of Year 1, most pupils are able to decode and blend confidently, preparing them for the national Phonics Screening Check. In Year 2, phonics continues to be revisited to secure mastery and close any gaps.
We are proud to use a programme that not only delivers results but also engages children with its structured, consistent, and enjoyable approach to learning to read.
Unlocking Letters and Sounds Progression:
Unlocking Letters and Sounds Progression
Please find the glossary of term used within the programme, below:
Phase 2 and Phase 3 sounds and actions:
At Frome Vale, we believe that strong partnerships between home and school are key to nurturing confident, early readers. When families and educators work together, children benefit from consistent support and encouragement in their phonics learning journey. To help foster this collaboration, we offer an annual phonics workshop designed to give parents and carers practical strategies for supporting reading at home. In addition, our termly Open Door events invite families into the classroom to provide time for additional questions and sometimes even see phonics in action, and deepen their understanding of how children learn to read. These opportunities help build a shared commitment to literacy and ensure every child gets the best possible start.
Please find our latest Phonics Workshop slide deck below:
2025-2026 Reading and Phonics Rec and KS1 FVA
Spelling at FVA
At Frome Vale Academy, we use Spelling Shed to support and enhance our pupils’ spelling skills in an interactive, personalised and effective way. Spelling Shed is a whole-school programme designed to make spelling engaging and accessible for all learners.
What is Spelling Shed?
Spelling Shed is an online platform that combines a structured spelling curriculum with game-based learning. It offers:
- Tailored weekly spelling lists aligned with the National Curriculum
- Interactive games that reinforce spelling patterns, phonics, and high-frequency words
- Multiple difficulty levels to suit all attainment levels
- Progress tracking for teachers and pupils
How We Use It
- In School: Teachers introduce weekly spelling lists and guide pupils through engaging activities such as dictation, spelling games, and discussions about spelling rules.
- At Home: Pupils log in to practise their spellings through fun games that adapt to their progress. This helps consolidate learning and encourages independent practice.
- Assessment: Teachers monitor progress using built-in tools, allowing for targeted support and celebrating achievements.
Why Spelling Shed?
- Boosts Confidence: The game-like format motivates children to practise regularly.
- Supports All Learners: Activities are adaptable and inclusive.
- Encourages Parental Involvement: Parents can easily support their child’s learning at home.
- Accessible Anywhere: Available on computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Spelling Shed is a valuable part of our literacy curriculum, helping children become confident, accurate spellers while having fun along the way!
Spelling Medium Term Plan:
Spelling Shed Medium Term Plan – Spelling Shed MTP 2025