At West Wycombe School, we use Phonics Shed to deliver an exciting and engaging phonics program. This scheme helps children become fluent readers and writers by teaching them to decode words through Grapheme-Phoneme Correspondence (GPC) – the links between letters and their sounds

• Children learn to decode words by blending sounds together using the 'Sound it, Squash it, Say it' technique. (reading)
• Children learn to segment words into sounds using 'Say it, Stretch it, Sound it.' (writing)
• Synthetic Phonics: This method teaches children to break down words into the sounds they use.

Phonics shed is divided into four chapters, each building on prior learning:

• Reception: Start with chapter 2 (orange) and progress onto chapter 3 (purple)
• Year 1: Cover chapter 4a and 4b (pink)
• Year 2: Consolidate learning with chapter 4c (pink)
• Key stage 2: Phonics support continues to strengthen reading and spelling skills.

 Phonics Screening Check

The phonics screening check is conducted at the end of year 1, assessing children’s ability to decode 20 real words and 20 ‘alien’ words. The check is designed to take place in a low pressured environment, where children work one to one with their class teacher. If children do not meet the threshold of the screening, they will receive additional support in year 2 and will re-take the screening at the end of Year 2.

How we teach phonics

Daily lessons

• Our lessons are interactive, lessons include videos, games and hands-on learning.
• Blended learning: we use a mix of digital resources, teacher-led discussions and physical manipulatives.
• Independent and group work: Children work individually, in pairs or small groups to support peer learning.

Teacher support and development

• Regular workshops and training to ensure that staff deliver high-quality phonics instructions.
• Phonics shed resources are fully integrated into our lesson planning and daily routines.
• Classrooms are equipped with smart boards, to facilitate interactive lessons.

Character based learning

To promote a love for reading we make phonics as engaging and exciting as possible. At the start of reception children are introduced to Joe, a central character in the Phonics Shed scheme, who guides them through their learning journey. Each day the lesson begins with a song where the children must find the puppet version of Joe hidden in their classroom. As phonics progresses Puppet Joe introduces the children to a new character, this character is matched to a GPC. Each GPC also has a story and song to aid retention. As children are introduced to digraphs and trigraphs (two or three letters that make one sound) there is a character for the new GPC they have learnt but they are also supported with the characters they learnt earlier in the scheme to support their formation.

Reading Books and Home Support

Phonics Shed books are used to support children with their reading. The books are carefully matched using the Phonics Shed guidance to each child’s phonics stage to ensure appropriate challenge and support.

Children will bring home a phonetically decodable book to practise the sounds learnt in class. These books will be changed on a Monday and Thursday. To maximise the benefits of reading, we ask that children read this book three times per week and each session is recorded in their reading record.

• Tricky Words Practice: Use the challenges at the back of the Home Links book.
• Letter Formation: Ensure correct letter formation with tracing and writing activities.
• Spelling and Sentence Writing: Encourage your child to spell words and write simple sentences using the sounds learnt.
• Playing games like I-Spy or seesaw (where children have to guess the sounds in the hidden word)
• Have magnetic letters at home where children can practice making different words and sentences.

Impact of Phonics Shed

Enhanced Reading and Spelling

• Children develop strong reading and spelling skills by recognising and manipulating phonemes.
• Regular practice improves reading fluency and accuracy, supporting success in the Phonics Screening Check.

Engagement and Confidence

• Game-based learning makes phonics lessons enjoyable and reduces reading anxiety.
• The structured approach allows children to revisit concepts as needed, fostering independence.

Meeting Diverse Learning Needs

• Phonics Shed provides differentiated instruction to support all ability levels.
• Teachers use various strategies to ensure every child progresses in their phonics journey.

Technology Integration

• Digital books, interactive games, and lesson plans enhance phonics teaching.
• Children can access interactive phonics games both in school and at home for additional practice.