Phonics at Links

We introduced a new phonics and reading scheme in 2021 called Little Wandle. Little Wandle is a complete phonics programme. Based on the original Letters and Sounds scheme, but extensively revised to provide a complete teaching programme meeting all the expectations of the National Curriculum and preparing your children to go beyond the expectations of the Phonics Screening Check.

The resources on this page will help you support your child with saying their sounds and writing their letters.

Please take the time to watch the videos below, demonstrating how your children are taught at school and how you can help by supporting them at home.

NEED HELP: If you would like any more information about our Phonics scheme, please do not hesitate to contact us on enquiries@links.merton.sch.uk

Children are assessed every 6 weeks, and any found to be at risk of falling behind are given daily interventions to support them on their learning journey.

Our aim is for every child to have completed their Phase 5 phonics by the end of Year One.

Phase 2 Sounds

These sounds are taught in Autumn Term (1) of their first year at Primary School (Reception).

September/October

Phase 2 Sounds

These sounds are taught in Autumn Term (2) of their first year at Primary School (Reception).

November/December

Phase 3 Sounds

These sounds are taught in Spring Term (1) of their first year at Primary School (Reception).

January/February

Phase 5 Sounds

These sounds are taught in Year 1, Autumn Term (2).

These three videos show you how to pronounce the sounds. Notice how the children don’t add an ‘uh’ sound at the end, so they say: ‘t’ not ‘tuh’.

Please use the downloadable files below, to help your child remember how to write their letters and say their sounds. Practising at home is a great help!

How we teach blending

Take a look at the videos, as they will help you to support your child within the early stages of blending sounds to read words.

FS and Year 1 Tricky Words

Tricky words are taught individually within our phonics lessons.

Year 1 Alien (pseudo) Words

In June of Year 1, children will be taking their Phonics Screening Check. They will be reading a mix of real and made-up ‘alien’ words to show their understanding of phonics.

Phase 2 (Autumn 1) pronunciation sheet.

Phase 2 (Autumn 2) pronunciation sheet.

Phase 3 pronunciation sheet.

Phase 5 (Year 1) pronunciation sheet.

Letter Formation

Phonics Progression Document

Year 1 Phonics Screening Check Prep.