🔡 Phonics Scheme – Unlocking Letters and Sounds

At Bridge Hall, we follow the Unlocking Letters and Sounds programme, validated by the DfE in December 2021. 

📅 From the very first weeks of Reception, children begin their exciting phonics journey. They rapidly start to:
🔤 Learn the key sounds in the English language
✍️ Recognise how those sounds are represented in writing
🧠 Learn Common Exception Words for Phases 2, 3, and 4
📝 Use these skills to read and write simple words, captions, and sentences

By the end of Reception, our children confidently apply phonemes from Phases 2–4. 
📥 You can download our Phase 2 Actions, Formation guide below.

In Year 1, through Phases 5a, 5b, and 5c, children:
🔁 Explore alternative spellings and pronunciations for sounds
📖 Expand their knowledge of Common Exception Words
✅ Take part in the National Phonics Screening Check

In Year 2, phonics continues to be reviewed and reinforced to ensure mastery. Children who need extra support receive targeted help to close gaps and boost confidence.

🧑‍🏫 We make sure no child is left behind:

• Frequent phonics assessments 📊

• Bespoke 1:1 interventions 💬

• Focused support for the lowest attaining 20% of pupils 

📥 You can find our ‘Unlocking Letters and Sounds Progression’ document below for more information.

📘 Reading Scheme – A Phonics-First Approach

At Bridge Hall, we believe every child deserves the joy of successful reading. 

👓 We use a phonics-first approach across:
📖 Guided reading sessions in school
🏡 Take-home reading books

All reading materials are carefully matched to each child’s phonics knowledge so they can grow in confidence and enjoy early reading success. 🌟

📚 In the early stages, we primarily use books from Ransom Reading Stars Phonics to ensure full alignment with our phonics programme.

Once children are ready to move beyond decodable texts, they transition to our wider book scheme, developing:
📘 Decoding
🚀 Fluency
🧠 Comprehension

Our goal? To nurture avid, expert readers who LOVE books.