Read Write Inc. (RWI) Phonics

At Wavertree CE School, we are passionate about ensuring every child learns to read quickly and fluently so they can unlock a whole world of books, imagination, and learning. To achieve this, we use Read Write Inc. (RWI), a systematic synthetic phonics programme developed by Ruth Miskin and published by Oxford University Press.

What is Read Write Inc.?

Read Write Inc. is a thoroughly proven, inclusive literacy programme designed to teach every child to read. It puts early reading at the absolute heart of our curriculum, ensuring children learn the essential skills they need to decode words effortlessly.

• Learning to Say the Sounds: Children learn the 44 common sounds in the English language and matching letters (graphemes) using fun picture prompts and mnemonics.

• Blending and Segmenting: They learn to blend sounds together to read words (e.g., c-a-t = cat) and segment words to spell them out accurately.

• Reading Storybooks Matched to Their Level: Children read lively storybooks and non-fiction texts that contain only the sounds they have already learned. This builds immediate success, confidence, and fluency right from the start.

• Comprehension and Handwriting: Alongside phonics decoding, children learn how to answer questions about what they read, discuss story plots, and practice correct letter formation and handwriting.

How We Teach It

• Daily Sessions: Children take part in lively, fast-paced daily phonics sessions tailored precisely to their reading level.

• Assessment and Grouping: Pupils are regularly assessed and grouped according to their progress, ensuring they are always learning at the right pace and receiving targeted support where needed.

• Partner Work: Children work in pairs to practice reading sounds, words, and sentences aloud, building communication skills, teamwork, and active engagement.

"Read to your child, read with your child, and watch their world expand. With Read Write Inc., every child becomes a confident, enthusiastic reader."

If you would like to support your child’s reading journey at home, we provide regular home-reading books matched to their phonics level, along with guidance sheets and workshops. Please speak to your child's teacher if you would like any tips or advice on how to help at home!