‘After Year 1, learning in the wider curriculum depends increasingly on literacy. Pupils who cannot read well enough do not have full access to the curriculum. Those who fail to learn to read early on often start to dislike reading. They read less than others – and less often – and do not accumulate the background knowledge and vocabulary from reading that their peers do. The word-rich get richer, while the word-poor get poorer.’ Reading framework (2021)

We urgently identify and support any child who cannot read in Year 2 or above including any child that did not pass the Phonics Screen Check in Year 1 or is identified as reading below the expectation for their age. They are supported to make accelerated progress to catch up and reach their reading target so that they can access the curriculum and enjoy reading as soon as possible. We use the Little Wandle Rapid Catch-up which is a programme that mirrors the main phonics programme but has a faster pace. It has been created to help children catch up quickly through repeated practise of blending, word recognition and spelling and through reading new decodable books that exactly match the progression of the Rapid Catch-up programme. They have been written for children age 7+ and provide practice at the correct level for each phase as well as ensuring that children’s vocabulary and language development is supported. Our ambition is that by the end of the programme, children should be reading with fluency and understanding with their class.