Read Write Inc. Phonics

Confident readers become confident learners.

Here at Windlesham, we are proud to teach phonics and early reading using the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme. This carefully structured approach helps children build reading confidence, independence and fluency from the very start, equipping them with the skills they need to become lifelong readers who love reading for pleasure.

Why do we teach phonics with Read Write Inc.?

Read Write Inc. is a nationally recognised phonics programme designed to help children learn to read quickly and successfully. Through systematic phonics teaching, engaging texts and consistent daily practice, our pupils develop a strong foundation that enables them to thrive as readers, writers and learners.

What do our children say?

“I love phonics, it is amazing and so much fun! My favourite thing about phonics is when we practice our nonsense words, we always say ‘What a load of nonsense!’.”
Pupil

“Phonics has helped me with my spelling – I didn’t realise there was so many different ways we could spell the same sound for example ‘j’, ‘g’, ‘ge’ and ‘dge’ all make the same sound!”
Pupil

“It has helped us with tricky words and sounding out new words in our head.”
Pupil

Children sit around a light blue table in a classroom, listening to a teacher at the left; one student wears a Windlesham jacket with a ponytail visible from back.

How do we teach phonics at Windlesham?

Phonics sits at the heart of our pre-prep curriculum, and our daily teaching reflects that commitment. Our experienced phonics teachers deliver engaging, high-quality lessons every day, making sure that learning is both purposeful and enjoyable.

All pupils are carefully grouped according to their phonics knowledge and understanding, so that teaching is precisely matched to each child’s next steps. This targeted approach means every pupil feels supported, challenged and successful. Alongside their daily sessions, children read one-to-one with their class teachers twice each week. These frequent opportunities to practise and apply their skills build fluency, deepen comprehension and strengthen reading confidence.

Teacher guiding a small group of children during reading at a round table in a classroom; open picture books and a green toy on the table.

How does phonics connect to reading and writing?

Phonics learning reaches far beyond discrete lessons and is fully embedded within our wider English curriculum. During weekly writing sessions, children apply the sounds and skills they have learned, writing with increasing independence and accuracy. It is always a joy to watch pupils grow into confident writers, unlocking their creativity and imagination as they realise they can express their own ideas on the page.

Teacher helps young students with a hands-on activity around a table in a bright classroom.

What happens as children move into prep?

Our aim is that every child leaves pre-prep as a confident, capable reader, fully prepared for the transition into prep school. To ensure continuity and consistency, all lower prep classrooms are equipped with Read Write Inc. resources, allowing pupils to keep applying their phonics knowledge as they move into the next stage of their learning journey. This seamless transition supports children’s confidence, independence and success as they begin life in the prep school.

Children sit around a table with worksheets, guided by an adult wearing a Windlesh... hoodie at a classroom activity moment.

What impact are we already seeing?

Throughout this year, the impact has been remarkable. Across the pre-prep, pupils are showing growing confidence, enthusiasm and independence in their reading and writing. Children are eager to read, proud to share their achievements and increasingly fluent when applying their phonics knowledge, both in lessons and beyond the classroom.

Teachers have observed significant gains in reading confidence and engagement, with pupils approaching new texts with excitement and resilience. The consistency of our approach across year groups has created a strong culture of reading, where success is celebrated and every child feels empowered as a learner. We are incredibly proud of the progress our pupils are making, and we look forward to building on this strong foundation as our phonics journey continues to grow.

What do our parents say?

“We have been so pleased with the impact Read Write Inc. has had on both of our children. It has been a truly positive experience for them. The clear and consistent approach has really supported their learning and built their confidence. We have noticed a big difference in their phonics skills and, most importantly, it’s been wonderful to see them pick up a book because they want to read, and read it independently.”
Parents

“I am genuinely impressed with how well both of my children are reading.
I just wanted to say how blown away we are by our child’s progress since introducing Read Write Inc. The improvement in both his reading and confidence has honestly been incredible to see.
Our son now seems to find sounding out words so easy and natural, and we’ve noticed he is mostly sight reading now, which feels like such a huge step forward. More than anything, his confidence with reading has grown so much, and he seems genuinely proud of himself, which has been lovely to watch.
We really feel the new phonics approach has had such a positive impact on him, and we’re incredibly grateful to all the teachers for the support and encouragement they’ve given him.”
Parent

Pre-prep curriculum

Pre-prep co-curricular

Pre-prep wrap around care