Read Write Inc

At Malvin's Close Academy, we follow the Read Write Inc. (RWI) phonics programme developed by Ruth Miskin. This structured and carefully sequenced approach helps children develop early reading and writing skills through synthetic phonics. It’s a well-established programme used in many schools across the UK and is designed to support children in becoming confident, fluent readers and enthusiastic writers.

We believe that reading is the gateway to learning, and our aim is to ensure that every child becomes a capable reader who enjoys books and language. Our staff are trained to deliver RWI with consistency and expertise, ensuring that children build the strong foundations they need for reading success.

How Phonics is Taught

Phonics is taught daily in small, ability-based groups from Reception onwards. Children learn the 44 phonemes (sounds) of the English language and how to blend these to read and write words. This includes:

  • Recognising letter-sound correspondences
  • Blending sounds together to read words (known as "Fred Talk")
  • Segmenting words to write using "Fred Fingers"
  • Reading and understanding matched storybooks

Children are assessed regularly so that they can be grouped according to their stage of learning, ensuring targeted support and maximum progress.

Who Leads RWI at Malvin’s Close?

  • Phonics Lead: Mrs McShane

Our staff are supported with regular training and coaching to ensure that phonics teaching is consistent, effective and responsive to children’s needs.

Reading with Read Write Inc.

Through RWI, children learn to:

  • Read speed sounds and sound-blend unfamiliar words
  • Build fluency through repeated exposure to words and phrases
  • Develop comprehension skills using 'Find It' and 'Prove It' questions linked to the storybooks
  • Enjoy engaging, carefully written texts that feature the phonics sounds they’ve been learning

Writing with Read Write Inc.

Children use their growing phonics knowledge to:

  • Write simple and complex words using the sounds they’ve learned
  • Form letters correctly and confidently
  • Build sentences and begin to apply punctuation
  • Use "Fred Fingers" to segment and spell words independently

Speaking and Listening Skills.

Talk is an integral part of our phonics sessions. Children work in pairs to:

  • Share ideas and answer questions
  • Take turns speaking and listening
  • Offer encouragement and praise to one another

These speaking and listening opportunities help to develop confidence, language and communication - essential skills for wider learning.

Blending at Home.

You can help your child practise at home by encouraging them to use Fred Talk to sound out and blend words (e.g., m-a-n = man, sh-i-p = ship). Focus on saying the pure sounds and blending them together smoothly.

Reading at Home.

We send home materials that are closely matched to each child’s reading level, including:

  • Sound blending books for early learners who are still practising initial blending skills 
  • Ditty sheets or Red Ditty books for children beginning to blend
  • Book Bag Books and colour-coded storybooks for more confident readers

These books include helpful pages such as speed sounds, green and red words, vocabulary checks, and comprehension questions to support reading at home.

Supporting a Love of Reading.

We encourage families to read together every day. This regular reading time:

  • Builds fluency and vocabulary
  • Boosts comprehension and memory
  • Helps children to enjoy books and develop a love of stories

Reading at home, even just for ten minutes a day, makes a huge difference to your child’s progress and enjoyment of learning.