Phonics

Phonics plays a vital role in developing early reading and communication skills, forming the foundation for children to recognise sounds, build words, and begin to make sense of language. By learning to connect letters with their corresponding sounds, children gain the tools they need to decode unfamiliar words, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of reading. At Maple Haven School, we recognise that strong phonics teaching supports not only literacy, but also listening, attention, and early speech development across all learners.

In Blossom Class, although many of our pupils are pre-verbal, early phonics is still an important part of their learning journey. We introduce phonics through engaging, sensory-based play and interactive experiences that encourage sound awareness and communication. Activities such as sound matching games, musical instrument play, environmental sound hunts, and action songs help children tune into different sounds in a fun and meaningful way. By embedding early phonics into games and daily routines, we create opportunities for pupils to explore sounds, develop attention skills, and begin to build the foundations for communication in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

In both Acorn and Bonsai classes, pupils receive daily phonics interventions tailored to their individual needs, whether through 1:1 support or within small group sessions. This consistent, targeted approach ensures that every child has the opportunity to progress at their own pace while building confidence and independence. Phonics is also reinforced across the wider curriculum, with opportunities to apply and develop skills embedded within other lessons. By cross-curricular teaching, pupils are able to make meaningful connections, practise their skills in different contexts, and deepen their understanding in a way that supports their overall learning journey.