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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.

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

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.

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.
Year 2 pupil
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: