In Reception, children learn Phonics and early reading skills through the SfA programme KinderRoots. Children in years 1-6 have a 90 minute literacy lesson four times per week. This is because we believe literacy is the key to all learning for our children and 90 minutes allows for extensive practice of fluency and analytical skills, as well as providing time for translating children’s experience of different reading genres into effective writing.

What pupil’s learn in SfA

Roots

Children begin their SfA journey with the Roots programme. This promotes early reading skills through:

• the systematic teaching of Phonics
• children practicing reading daily
• the study of ‘real books’ alongside phonic readers to promote
• comprehension skills
• teaching children in small groups matched to the skills they need to learn.

Wings

Children move into the Wings programme as soon as their knowledge and reading fluency are secure.

• Wings supports and challenges both basic and more competent readers
• Develops their skills through reading a wide range of carefully selected literature including fiction, non-fiction and poetry
• In most cases children read the whole book
• The books are supported by well-thought-out, structured teaching materials that stimulate discussion about the text
• The five levels of materials include detailed daily lesson plans for teachers, pupil materials that support them, as well as manuals for extended writing and grammar