Our Approach to Teaching Spelling

We know that confident spelling is essential for fluent writing. When children no longer have to concentrate on how to spell each word, they free up valuable cognitive space to focus on the content of their writing, from choosing vocabulary, structuring sentences and communicating ideas clearly. The Writing Framework 2025 highlights this directly, noting that “automaticity in spelling reduces the cognitive effort required for transcription, enabling pupils to focus on composition.” This principle underpins our whole‑school approach.

To support this journey from early phonics to fluent, confident writing, we use Little Wandle to teach spelling in EYFS and Key Stage 1, and Spelling Shed from Year 3 onwards.

Why We Use Little Wandle in EYFS and KS1

Little Wandle provides a highly effective, systematic approach to early reading and spelling.

We use it because:

● It builds strong foundations. Little Wandle teaches children the essential phonics knowledge they need to read and spell words confidently.

● It is fully aligned with early reading. Children learn to decode and encode using the same sounds and patterns, helping them make clear connections between reading and spelling.

● It supports all learners. The programme is structured, consistent and carefully sequenced, ensuring every child keeps up rather than catches up.

● It introduces spelling rules gradually. Through Little Wandle Bridge to Spelling in Year 2, children begin to apply phonics knowledge to wider spelling patterns, preparing them for the next stage.

● By the end of Key Stage 1, children have a secure understanding of phonics and are ready to move on to more complex spelling rules and vocabulary development.

Why We Move to Spelling Shed in KS2

From Year 3 onwards, children are ready for a broader and more challenging spelling curriculum. Spelling Shed supports this transition because:

● It builds on the foundations from Little Wandle. Children continue to apply phonics knowledge while learning new spelling patterns, rules and exceptions.

● It follows the National Curriculum closely. Spelling Shed provides structured weekly teaching that covers all statutory spelling requirements for Years 3–6.

● It makes spelling engaging. The interactive games and activities motivate children and encourage regular practice at home and in school.

● It develops vocabulary. Children learn spelling patterns alongside word meanings, helping them become confident writers across the curriculum.

● It supports progression. The programme increases in complexity each year, ensuring children are continually challenged and prepared for secondary school.

How We Support Struggling Spellers in KS2

We recognise that some children may not yet be ready for the full KS2 spelling curriculum. All children are exposed to age‑appropriate content for their year group, but we also provide targeted, evidence‑led interventions to ensure every pupil continues to make progress. This approach allows us to meet children exactly where they are, supporting those who need additional consolidation while still maintaining high expectations for all learners.

Continued Phonics Support Using Little Wandle Foundations

Research shows that older pupils who struggle with spelling often have gaps in phonics knowledge.

To address this, we:

● Revisit key phases of Little Wandle to secure blending and segmenting

● Provide daily or frequent short interventions focused on specific gaps

● Use decodable texts where appropriate to rebuild confidence

● This approach is supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), which highlights that systematic phonics remains effective for older pupils who have not yet mastered early code knowledge.