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Why did Lionel Walden Primary School choose FFT Success for All Phonics?
Since January 2023, Lionel Walden Primary School in Cambridge has been using the FFT Success for All Phonics programme. The school chose the programme for its evidence-based approach to phonics instruction and its proven track record in improving reading outcomes for pupils. The ongoing guidance and support provided by the FFT Support Team further reinforced its suitability for the school.
Following a series of supportive discussions and webinars with the FFT Support Team, Lionel Walden purchased the programme in January 2023 and began training all preschool, Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 teachers and teaching assistants to ensure a consistent and effective rollout.
Natalie Bayes
Deputy Headteacher and Phonics Lead
In February 2023, we started teaching the programme to our pupils. In April 2023, we underwent a Section 8 Ofsted inspection resulting in us maintaining our ‘Good’ grade. They made specific reference to the rapid introduction of the programme and how embedded it was with all staff.
During the summer term, we introduced daily shared reader lessons to our Reception pupils. We have noticed that pupils make rapid progress through the reading programme and are developing their comprehension and inference skills too.
Our Year 1 Phonic Screening Check results for 2022-2023 were 83%. This is despite a very challenging cohort with 3 pupils unable to access the classroom environment and two pupils arriving the week of the screening check (these children did not achieve the required threshold). To ensure our parents are equipped with the relevant knowledge to support their children at home with reading and phonics, our website has all the information and links to the FFT Parent Portal.
We also deliver termly parent workshops where parents are given the time to discover how we teach phonics and reading in school and experience a range of activities that they could do at home. These are very well attended by parents, carers and grandparents.
Since using FFT Success for All Phonics and other FFT resources, we have all noticed an increase in enjoyment and attainment in reading and writing throughout EYFS and KS1.
Implementing the programme
All staff received training, and a dedicated team of teachers and teaching assistants ensured that sessions were delivered consistently every day of the week.
This commitment to daily practice, coupled with ongoing feedback monitoring by the Deputy Headteacher and English Lead, led to a more engaged and proficient pupil body in terms of language acquisition.
The programme has truly revolutionised the way pupil learn and interact with language.
90%
Year 1 pass rate
reception GLD
programme introduction
Reading progress made
In February 2023, Lionel Walden began teaching the programme, and by April 2023, the school underwent an Ofsted inspection, successfully maintaining its ‘Good’ grade. Ofsted specifically highlighted the rapid introduction of the programme and how effectively it had been embedded across all staff.
By the end of the 2022–2023 academic year, the school recorded a higher proportion of Reception children achieving the reading GLD compared to previous years, with 87% meeting this benchmark.
Phonics screening check results:
2022-2023
Year 1: 83%
2024-2025
Year 1: 90%
Year 2: 75%
Spotlight on pupil progress
One Reception pupil at Lionel Walden Primary School began the year with low self-esteem in his ability to read and write. His mother was worried about the challenges she faced at home in engaging him with reading activities.
After the introduction of the FFT Success for All Phonics programme, his teacher observed significant changes. He began writing more during continuous provision, spelling words with greater accuracy, recognising environmental print, and showing increased motivation to read. He also started making clear connections between phonics lessons and how to apply this knowledge to his reading and writing, even remembering and correctly using the spelling of some red words.
Although he did not quite achieve the GLD in Word Reading by the end of the year, both staff and his parents were extremely impressed by his progress and growing confidence in phonics and writing. He transformed from a reluctant reader and writer into a confident young boy eager to write and share his ideas.
I like the Alphabet Chant and joining in with the actions.
EYFS pupil
I like learning new digraphs and doing 'my turn, your turn' with the teacher.
Year 1 pupil
Why is Lionel Walden Primary School pleased with FFT Success for All Phonics?
Natalie Bayes, Deputy Headteacher and Phonics Lead, highlighted the positive impact the phonics programme has had on pupils and staff since its introduction.
An increase in enjoyment and achievement in reading and writing throughout our EYFS and KS1.
Using FFT's resources, such as word mats and alphabet strips, in other lessons has scaffolded the children to be more independent and confident to have a go!