Reading is the golden thread at Tunstall CofE Primary: we teach every child to read with fluency, confidence and curiosity so they can access our broad Discovery Curriculum and become lifelong learners.
From systematic phonics in the early years to daily whole-class reading, targeted fluency support and vibrant library experiences, we combine evidence-informed practice with joyful, purposeful reading for pleasure.
Our approach is inclusive and family-focused: we work closely with parents, carers and external partners to identify and remove barriers, personalise support for children with additional needs, and celebrate progress at every stage. Reading here is a shared adventure—one that opens worlds, deepens thinking and gives every child the chance to surprise themselves.
Phonics & Early Reading
At Tunstall we believe that for all our children to become fluent readers and writers, phonics must be taught through a systematic and structured phonics programme.
We use the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised to plan and provide daily engaging phonics lessons. In phonics, we teach children that the letters of the alphabet represent a different sound, that these can be used in a variety of combinations and are put together to make words. The children learn to recognise all of the different sounds and combinations they might see when they are reading or writing.
Our phonics teaching starts in Reception and follows a very specific sequence that allows our children to build on their previous phonic knowledge and master specific phonic strategies as they move through school.
- In Reception and Year 1, children follow the progression within Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme. Phonics is taught daily and there is a review session on a Friday
- Phonics starts in Reception in week 2 to ensure the children make a strong start
- By the end of Reception, children will have been taught up to the end of phase 4
- By the end of Year 1, children will have been taught up to the end of phase 5
- Reception lessons start at 10 minutes, with daily additional oral blending – increasing to 30 minutes as soon as possible
- Year 1 lessons are 30 minutes long
- In Year 2 - Year 3, phonic lessons are taught daily to children where appropriate – following the model of Little Wandle but plugging specific gaps identified through assessment
- In Year 2 – Year 6 there are planned phonic ‘catch-up’ sessions following a set model to address specific reading/writing gaps. These are short, sharp sessions lasting 10 minutes in length and taking place at least three times a week