English

 
 

Literacy

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – Early Writing

In EYFS, we recognise that developing writing begins with the development of gross and fine motor skills. Children are provided with a wide range of opportunities to develop strength, coordination and control through activities such as climbing, balancing, mark-making, dough, threading, cutting, painting and using a variety of tools and materials.

Writing opportunities are embedded throughout continuous provision, allowing children to practise and apply their developing skills in meaningful contexts. Children are encouraged to make marks, write for different purposes and develop their own ideas through role play, provision areas and everyday experiences. Adults model writing, introduce new vocabulary and support children to develop correct letter formation, while encouraging independence and confidence.

 

Reading

Reading is fundamental to children's learning, confidence and independence and is given a high priority across the school. Early reading begins with developing secure knowledge of letter sounds and learning to blend these sounds to read words. As children progress, they develop increasing accuracy, fluency and understanding, enabling them to read with greater independence and enjoyment. We aim to develop confident, enthusiastic and reflective readers who experience a wide range of high-quality texts and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Home-school reading is an important part of this journey. Regular reading at home provides valuable opportunities for children to practise and consolidate the skills they are learning in school, build fluency, develop vocabulary and share books with family members. We value the partnership between school and home and encourage families to make reading a regular, enjoyable part of everyday life.

Phonics

At Belford Primary School, we follow the systematic synthetic phonics programme Read Write Inc. Children participate in daily phonics sessions, with additional support provided where necessary. Sessions provide opportunities to learn, practise and apply new phonics knowledge and skills. Progress is regularly monitored to identify children who may require further support.

Writing

We provide a broad and balanced approach to English, with opportunities for children to develop and apply their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills across the curriculum. We use The Power of Reading and The Literacy Tree to provide high-quality texts and engaging units of work which inspire purposeful writing.

Grammar, punctuation, vocabulary and sentence construction are explicitly taught and children are given opportunities to rehearse ideas through oracy before applying their learning independently. Writing is linked, where appropriate, to children's wider curriculum learning, creating meaningful opportunities to write for different purposes and audiences. Children are encouraged to edit, improve and take pride in their work, with examples celebrated through our class Writing Wonder Walls.

Handwriting

Developing clear, fluent and legible handwriting is an important part of children's writing journey. Children have regular opportunities to practise letter formation, joining, spacing and presentation. We provide clear expectations and progression across the school and encourage children to develop fluency, accuracy and pride in the presentation of their work.