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Get to know some of the FFT Partner Schools improving their literacy.
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Pupils on roll

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Age group

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Ofsted

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FSM eligible

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SEND/Support

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EAL

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FFT programmes used

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Why did Wilsden Primary School choose FFT Success for All Phonics?

Wilsden Primary decided that FFT Success for All Phonics was the programme for them due to the fantastic package it provided. They were very keen to ensure that their guided reading books matched the sounds children had been taught earlier in the morning so that they could build fluent readers across the school.

Tutoring with the Lightning Squad was something that Wilsden needed to invest in and, as this was part of the programme, they knew that they could give their children the best intervention that met their phonics needs. FFT's scheme also suited the school’s budget and it is something that they feel they can sustain financially over the coming years.

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Helps children to become fluent and confident readers

Helen Dearing

Deputy Headteacher

We have seen a fantastic impact of the programme so far and we have only been using it for one full year. The lesson plans are great and really help children to become fluent and confident readers.

The Reading Assessment Programme that is linked to the phonics is like a security blanket and helps pinpoint gaps in children’s phonic knowledge.

Implementing the programme

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The school ensured that all staff were trained on how to use the programme during the summer before they began teaching the content in September. Staff felt this training helped develop their confidence and allowed them to experiment with the resources to best suit the children’s needs.

Wilsden implemented the programme in September 2022 and noticed a significant improvement in children’s phonics knowledge by the end of the autumn term. The children were able to blend and segment more quickly and confidently compared to previous years.

The school monitored the programme across EYFS and KS1 to ensure a consistent approach was developed. They also benefited from the support of the FFT team, who worked closely with teachers to improve their practice.

Staff attended additional training sessions delivered by FFT throughout the year and enjoyed meeting other English Leads, gaining insights into how they had implemented the programme and replicating ideas.

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97%

Phonics screening check 2024

Reading progress made

The first round of tutoring was in 2023.

  • 2023 Year 1 Phonics Screening Check: 88%
  • 2024 Year 1 Phonics Screening Check: 97%
  • Year 2 resits: 93%

Spotlight on pupil progress

Pupil A's parent writes: She has developed so much confidence in her reading since Wilsden Primary implemented the FFT Success for All Phonics scheme. As parents, we felt there was a clear sense of progression, moving through the sounds, and the fact that the book matched those sounds meant that we had a better understanding of what we needed to focus on each week, to support Pupil A.

It was fantastic that the book Pupil A was reading each week was accessible digitally as well as a physical copy, particularly when she had forgotten her reading book! The decodable books have had the right amount of challenge, while broadening vocabulary, which has provided us with opportunities for discussion and building Pupil A’s understanding of the world around her.

As well as these things, the use of the Tutoring with the Lightning Squad intervention at the beginning of Year 1 allowed Pupil A to consolidate and improve her knowledge from Reception, ensuring she was working at the right level for her. The clear information delivered from the programme has been empowering to us as parents, enabling us to fully understand the level our daughter is working at, and noting areas we can support to further her knowledge at home.

I enjoyed the phonics sessions in Year 1 as they really supported me in learning all the sounds and becoming more fluent with my reading. The journey continued into Year 2 and I have loved being part of the Spelling with the Jungle Club sessions, I wasn't a very good speller at the start of the year, but I am much more confident now!

Year 2 pupil

The scheme offers so much for our students and they have made fantastic progress. We look back at where children were in terms of their fluency before using the scheme to where they are now and they are flying with their reading fluency confidence. We are so pleased we made the move to FFT and even our parents commented on the progress the children are making.

Helen Dearing, Deputy Headteacher

Why is Wilsden Primary School pleased with FFT Success for All Phonics?

Helen Dearing, Deputy Headteacher, highlights the benefits seen using the phonics programme:

Implementing the programme last year has significantly improved children's phonic knowledge and fluency skills, putting us in a much better position this year.
Children are now more confident readers, motivated to read for pleasure, and engage more widely outside of phonics lessons.
Students are transitioning to KS2 with no gaps in their phonics knowledge, effectively applying strategies learned in KS1.
The Reading Assessment Programme enables us to quickly identify and address gaps in children's learning, ensuring they have the correct sounds and knowledge.
Children enjoy using Tutoring with the Lightning Squad, which is also accessible at home. Parents have noticed the positive impact on their children's reading, especially in blending and segmenting. We are excited about the programme's comprehensive offer and the accelerated progress in our students' reading skills.

Find out more

We're happy to answer questions you have about FFT Phonics.