English at Westbury Infant School

At Westbury Infant School, we want every child to become a confident communicator, an enthusiastic reader and a purposeful writer.

English begins with children learning to listen, understand, talk and share their ideas. From these foundations, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to read and write successfully. Stories, poems, rhymes, high-quality conversations and carefully chosen texts are central to our curriculum.

Across Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, children experience:

• communication-rich classrooms;
• high-quality stories, poems and information texts;
• systematic phonics teaching through Read Write Inc.;
• books matched closely to their developing reading knowledge;
• regular opportunities to hear adults read aloud;
• purposeful discussion, storytelling, drama and performance;
• explicit teaching of handwriting, spelling, sentence construction and grammar;
• meaningful opportunities to read, write and communicate across the curriculum.

Oracy, reading, phonics and writing are closely connected. For clarity, families can explore each area of our English curriculum separately below.

Explore our English curriculum

Oracy

Oracy is the knowledge and skills children need to listen, understand, speak, interact and communicate effectively. It supports children to develop vocabulary, explain their thinking, enjoy stories, solve problems with others and participate confidently in school life.

On our Oracy page, you can learn about how talk, play, stories, partner discussion and performance help children progress as communicators. You will also find practical suggestions for supporting communication at home.

Oracy at Westbury Infant School

Reading

Our reading curriculum develops fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and a lifelong enjoyment of books. Children experience a carefully considered range of stories, poems and information texts that introduce them to different authors, cultures, experiences, ideas and perspectives.

On our Reading page, you can find out about reading for pleasure, story time, Talk Through Stories, comprehension, our reading spine and the ways families can enjoy books together.

Reading at Westbury Infant School

Phonics and Early Reading

We teach early reading through Read Write Inc. Phonics. Children learn sounds in a carefully structured sequence and use this knowledge to blend words, develop fluency and read books matched closely to what they have been taught.

On our Phonics and Early Reading page, you can find information about Speed Sounds, Fred Talk, Special Friends, RWI Storybooks, assessment, the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check and resources for practising at home.

Phonics and Early Reading at Westbury Infant School

Writing

Our writing curriculum develops composition and transcription together. Children learn to generate and organise ideas, construct sentences, spell words and form letters fluently. High-quality texts, purposeful talk, modelling and meaningful reasons to write help every child see themselves as a writer.

On our Writing page, you can learn about writing in Reception and KS1, spelling, handwriting, grammar, poetry, assessment and ways to make writing enjoyable at home.

Writing at Westbury Infant School

Curriculum information

Detailed curriculum documents, progression information and helpful resources for families can be found within each of the four English sections.

If you have any questions about your child’s communication, reading, phonics or writing, please speak to their class teacher. We value working in partnership with families and will be pleased to discuss your child’s strengths, progress and next steps.