Read Write Inc โ Our Phonics Scheme
At Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School, we use the Read Write Inc (RWI) programme to get children off to a flying start with their reading. We want your child to love reading โ and to want to read for themselves. This is why we put our efforts into making sure they develop a love of books as well as simply learning to read.
The Government strongly recommend the use of synthetic phonics when teaching early literacy skills to children. Synthetic phonics is simply the ability to convert letter or letter groups into sounds that are then blended together into a word. RWI is a method of learning based upon letter sounds and phonics, and we use it to aid children in their reading and writing.
The children are assessed regularly and grouped according to their ability. They will work with children who are at the same reading level as them. Children will move to a different group (within their bubble) if they are making faster progress and we provide one-to-one support if we think he or she needs some extra help to keep up. The children will work with a RWI trained teacher or learning support assistant.
In the summer term, the government asks us to do a phonics check of all the Year 1 children. This check gives us extra information about your child’s progress.
How will my child be taught to read?
We start by teaching phonics to the children in the Reception class. Children begin by learning how to read the sounds in words and how those sounds can be written down. This is essential for reading, but it also helps children learn to spell well. We teach the children simple ways of remembering these sounds and letters, using familiar rhymes and phrases.
When using RWI to read the children will:
- Learn 44 sounds and the corresponding letter/letter groups using simple prompts
- Learn to read words using sound blended (Fred Talk)
- Practise reading (and spelling) what we call โtricky wordsโ, such as โonce,โ โhave,โ โsaidโ and โwhereโ
- Practise their reading with books that match the phonics and the โtricky wordsโ they know. They start thinking that they can read and this does wonders for their confidence
- Show that they comprehend the stories by answering questions about the text
Writing
When using RWI to write the children will:
- Learn to write the letter/letter groups which represent the 44 sounds
- Learn to write words by saying the sounds and grapheme (Fred Fingers)
Talking
When using RWI the children will work in pairs:
- to answer questions about the text they have read
- to take turns talking and listening to each other
- to give positive praise to each other
Blending
Help your child learn to read words by blending sounds together (Fred Talk) eg. c-a-t = cat, sh-o-p = shop. Children learn to read words by blending the letter-sounds that are in the Speed Sound sheet (see download link below).
Help your child to say the pure sounds (‘m’ not ‘muh’, ‘s’, not ‘suh’ etc.) as quickly as they can and then blend the sounds together to say the whole word.
Reading at Home
Your child will bring different types of book homes for them to practise reading. Children who are learning the first 44 letter sound and are not blending fluently will bring home sound books, picture books and CVC word books. Once children can blend fluently and know the first 44 sounds, between Reception โ Year 2, they may bring home a RWI book bag book, Oxford Reading Tree book, RWI lesson story book or a Jelly and Bean book.
What can I do to help?
Try not to refer to the letters by their names. Help your child to focus on the sounds. You can hear how to say the sounds correctly at this link:
https://ruthmiskin.com/en/find-out-more/parents/#lg=1&slide=2
Finally, donโt worry if your child is struggling at first with their sounds and words, they will get there in their own time. If you have time, we would urge you to try and read stories to your child before they go to bed. This will help develop a wider vocabulary which makes a vast difference to their quality of writing whilst supporting them to develop a love for reading. (See our โlistening to your child read at homeโ and โreading at homeโ documents for more information).
๐ถ YOUNG VOICES 2025 ๐ถ
Well done to all the children who took part - What an incredible experience to sing in the O2! ๐

๐ถ YOUNG VOICES 2025 ๐ถ
Well done to all the children who took part - What an incredible experience to sing in the O2! ๐
Our choir are having the best time at the O2! Rehearsals are going very well and the children canโt wait to perform tonight. Look out on the One Show tonight at 7pm and you might just spot us! #youngvoices #bbconeshow

Our choir are having the best time at the O2! Rehearsals are going very well and the children canโt wait to perform tonight. Look out on the One Show tonight at 7pm and you might just spot us! #youngvoices #bbconeshow
Last Friday, we had an amazing Hindu workshop where the children learnt lots about their faith and beliefs and also got the opportunity to dress up in their traditional clothes!

Last Friday, we had an amazing Hindu workshop where the children learnt lots about their faith and beliefs and also got the opportunity to dress up in their traditional clothes!
๐ Well done to all these children, in December and January, on their amazing achievements outside of school! ๐ Itโs amazing to see what you get up to! ๐ This time weโve got football, rugby and swimming โฝ๏ธ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ

๐ Well done to all these children, in December and January, on their amazing achievements outside of school! ๐ Itโs amazing to see what you get up to! ๐ This time weโve got football, rugby and swimming โฝ๏ธ๐๐๐ผ๐๐๐ผ
๐ง๐ฝโ๐ฌSTEM DAY๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ
This week, Eagle Class had their Lego Motion STEM day. The children explored the forces involved in different sports and made replica models of sporting events using Lego.

๐ง๐ฝโ๐ฌSTEM DAY๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ
This week, Eagle Class had their Lego Motion STEM day. The children explored the forces involved in different sports and made replica models of sporting events using Lego.
๐ฅDESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ๐ฅจ
Over the last two weeks, Year 4 have been trying different breads from around the world to enable them to design and make their own ones! They looked and smelt incredible - hope they tasted good too! ๐ฅฏ๐๐

๐ฅDESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY ๐ฅจ
Over the last two weeks, Year 4 have been trying different breads from around the world to enable them to design and make their own ones! They looked and smelt incredible - hope they tasted good too! ๐ฅฏ๐๐
๐ READING BUDDIES ๐
This morning, we joined up with a different year group to read and explore books together!

๐ READING BUDDIES ๐
This morning, we joined up with a different year group to read and explore books together!
A huge well done KS1 and EYFS for their amazing Penguin Pete performance ๐ง You were all superstars! ๐๐๐ผ

A huge well done KS1 and EYFS for their amazing Penguin Pete performance ๐ง You were all superstars! ๐๐๐ผ
WOW! Check out our fantastic new Art display made by the Art ambassadors ๐ ๐๐ชผ๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ What an incredible job they have done and it looks amazing in our corridor! ๐

WOW! Check out our fantastic new Art display made by the Art ambassadors ๐ ๐๐ชผ๐ข๐ณ๐ฌ What an incredible job they have done and it looks amazing in our corridor! ๐
๐ A big well done to the the year 5โs and 6โs on their Rugby tournament this morning at Burnham Rugby Club ๐ A special shoutout to this young lady (pictured) on the BEST EVER try we have ever seen and for winning herself a gum shield! ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ keep up the great teamwork!

๐ A big well done to the the year 5โs and 6โs on their Rugby tournament this morning at Burnham Rugby Club ๐ A special shoutout to this young lady (pictured) on the BEST EVER try we have ever seen and for winning herself a gum shield! ๐๐ผ๐๐ผ keep up the great teamwork!
We are delighted to say that our STEM Enrichment Programme has earned the Silver STEM award!
Here is some of the feedback from our assessor:
โCongratulations, I am delighted to confirm that you have successfully achieved the SCQM Silver Primary for your STEM Enrichment Programme.
I was very impressed, not only by the evidence-based report, but the depth of STEM enrichment you provide to your pupils. You and the school are very deserving of the award.โ
#stemeducation #stemclubs #stemenrichment

We are delighted to say that our STEM Enrichment Programme has earned the Silver STEM award!
Here is some of the feedback from our assessor:
โCongratulations, I am delighted to confirm that you have successfully achieved the SCQM Silver Primary for your STEM Enrichment Programme.
I was very impressed, not only by the evidence-based report, but the depth of STEM enrichment you provide to your pupils. You and the school are very deserving of the award.โ
#stemeducation #stemclubs #stemenrichment
It was so lovely to have Sally Russo, former England rugby player and now head coach at Burnham Rugby Club, in our assembly today to talk about her rugby journey ๐ The children had the chance to ask her lots of interesting questions. She also gave an important message to never give up on your dreams and it can be good to put yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new! THANK YOU ๐๐ผ
Here is a little clip of Sally playing in a Six Nations Scotland game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6amLqdt2s
@englandrugby @findyouractive @yourschoolgames @essexhealthyschools @afpe_pe

It was so lovely to have Sally Russo, former England rugby player and now head coach at Burnham Rugby Club, in our assembly today to talk about her rugby journey ๐ The children had the chance to ask her lots of interesting questions. She also gave an important message to never give up on your dreams and it can be good to put yourself out of your comfort zone and try something new! THANK YOU ๐๐ผ
Here is a little clip of Sally playing in a Six Nations Scotland game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ6amLqdt2s
@englandrugby @findyouractive @yourschoolgames @essexhealthyschools @afpe_pe
Owl Class have had a visit from ITV today and have been filmed working hard in their classroom! The news story will air tonight @ 6pm! #itvnews #itvanglianews

Owl Class have had a visit from ITV today and have been filmed working hard in their classroom! The news story will air tonight @ 6pm! #itvnews #itvanglianews
๐ง๐ฝโ๐ฌSTEM DAY๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ
This week, Gorilla Class had a great time learning about and creating their own rainbows, clouds and wind ๐โ๏ธ๐จ

๐ง๐ฝโ๐ฌSTEM DAY๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ฌ
This week, Gorilla Class had a great time learning about and creating their own rainbows, clouds and wind ๐โ๏ธ๐จ
๐ Well done to all these children on their amazing achievements outside of school! ๐ Itโs amazing to see what you get up to! ๐ This week weโve another Blue Peter Badge and 2 football trophies ๐๐๐๐ผ

๐ Well done to all these children on their amazing achievements outside of school! ๐ Itโs amazing to see what you get up to! ๐ This week weโve another Blue Peter Badge and 2 football trophies ๐๐๐๐ผ
๐ ๐ผ A big well done for running the 5k Santa run at the weekend! ๐ ๐ผ A great acheivement ๐๐ผ

๐ ๐ผ A big well done for running the 5k Santa run at the weekend! ๐ ๐ผ A great acheivement ๐๐ผ