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Why did Newcroft Primary Academy choose FFT Success for All Phonics?
School leaders and staff were looking for a programme, developed by a trusted name in the education sector, that was aligned with the National Curriculum, and that was progressive and fast paced from pre-school upwards, to mirror the school’s outstanding curriculum offer.
Newcroft were impressed by the comprehensive resources and support provided by FFT Success for All Phonics, which allowed their teachers to effectively implement phonics instruction in the classroom.
The programme's proven track record of improving literacy skills, combined with developing a love of reading for all pupils, was a key factor in their decision to choose it. Furthermore, leaders were looking for an online assessment tool that would reduce workload across teaching and assessment. FFT Success for All Phonics offers excellent value for money and this was a key driver in the school’s decision to adopt the programme.
Lorraine Lloyd
Year 1 Teacher and Phonics Lead
All phonics staff undertook the initial core training via the webinars as a group during the summer term before we launched the scheme in September 2022. Prior to rolling out the scheme I ran a training session, modelling a lesson in practise during a Teacher Training day and then refreshed my knowledge by watching the on-demand videos on the portal.
I find the planning clear, straight forward and easy to use and I like that all of the resources are provided. The children love it and they are developing into excellent readers that share a love for reading.
I’m delighted with the results we gained last year using the SfA phonics programme. The portal is a fantastic resource that I use frequently and I love that all of the documents are available as digital downloads, so you can easily make more. This has positively impacted staff workload; everything is clearly planned and easy to follow. The Reading Assessment Programme is another excellent resource that I use frequently to assess and monitor children’s progress. This has had a huge impact on reducing my workload as I can easily pull off reports rather than manually flicking through paper assessments.
The support I have received from FFT is exemplary. Whatever your method and nature of enquiry, the support team are very fast, friendly and helpful.”
Implementing the programme
All Pre-School, Reception, KS1 and our Year 3 team attended the webinars for the core training required to deliver the phonics and shared reader lessons while the whole team at Newcroft were briefed about the programme and shown how the portals work. The phonics team had an additional training session led by the Phonics Lead and Assistant Head, where we looked at a typical lesson plan and practised delivering a lesson to each other. As new staff join year groups, they complete the on-demand training sessions.
The Portal is an excellent resource that staff use frequently to refresh themselves of the programme implementation. After a few weeks of implementing the programme, the Phonics Lead and English Lead dropped into classes, conducted observations and provided feedback of what was going well and if further training and support was required. Staff regularly engage in CPD that is available on the portal and are actively encouraged to sign up for this.
pass rate
average score
parental engagement
Reading progress made
All staff teaching FFT’s Success for All Phonics have really liked the ease and simplicity of adopting the programme and following the planning and materials. All staff have been impressed with the high quality CPD and day to day support on offer.
We achieved outstanding Phonics Screening Check results in June 2023, achieving a 93% pass rate, with an average score of 37. The results were significantly above the local and national averages, and in the top 10% of results nationally.
The school has seen a huge increase in parental engagement in early reading as a result of the SfA programme.
Spotlight on pupil progress
Emily, Year 1
Toby, Year 2
Aiden, Year 1
Raana, Year 2
Why is Newcroft Primary Academy pleased with FFT Success for All Phonics?
Lorraine Lloyd, Year 1 Teacher and Phonics Lead, highlights the benefits seen since using the phonics programme:
All staff teaching the Success for All phonics programme like the ease and simplicity of following the plans. The assessments are easy to administer and give a clear picture of individual’s and cohort progress.
Everything is progressive and the visuals and rhymes are excellent for memory aid. Often, if children are stuck, they will say the rhyme and then this helps them identify the GPC.
Support that we receive is speedy and efficient- via email, phone and on the Portal, FFT are always open to suggestions and feedback to improve their offer to schools.
The Portals are updated frequently with new or adapted materials and the CPD offer is excellent, providing on-demand or live training to support and enhance teaching across all year groups.
Even reluctant readers enjoy the lessons and develop into confident readers that share a love of reading.