As a school, we have chosen to use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised as our systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme because it is a structured, evidence-based approach that ensures consistency and high-quality phonics teaching for all pupils. This programme was implemented in January 2022 and is embedded across school. The programme provides clear progression, daily practice, and fully decodable reading books that are closely matched to children’s phonics knowledge, enabling them to apply their learning with confidence. Little Wandle places a strong emphasis on early reading, rapid intervention, and support for all learners, helping to close gaps quickly and ensure no child falls behind. Its alignment with the Reading Framework and strong focus on staff training also ensures that teaching is consistent, inclusive, and effective across the whole school.

At Phoenix, we believe that all children can become fluent readers and writers. We begin by laying the foundations for phonics in our Nursery, ensuring children develop early listening, language, and sound awareness skills. From F2, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, which systematically builds on children’s growing knowledge of the alphabetic code. This structured approach enables pupils to master phonics so they can read and spell with increasing accuracy and confidence as they move through the school. As a result of our consistent, high-quality phonics teaching, children at Phoenix achieve well in phonics and develop a strong foundation for lifelong literacy.

Little Wandle Spelling  (YEAR 2)

Little Wandle Spelling provides a smooth transition from the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised phonics programme into spelling in Year 2. It builds on children’s secure knowledge of the alphabetic code and supports them to become confident and accurate spellers.

In Year 2, the programme is taught in three stages. During Autumn 1, children review Phase 5 to consolidate their phonics learning. In Autumn 2, the Bridge to Spelling teaches children how to “think about spelling”, completing their knowledge of the alphabetic code and introducing key spelling concepts. From Spring 1 onwards, children move on to the Year 2 Spelling units. 

All sessions are taught daily in 25–30 minute lessons, ensuring consistent practice. 

All lessons follow the familiar Little Wandle lesson structure, helping children make clear links to their phonics learning. Teaching builds carefully on prior knowledge so that children always start from what they know and continue to develop confidence, fluency, and accuracy in spelling.

Click the link below to listen to how we teach the sounds

How the sounds are taught - parents page