Lift Beacon, Leicestershire

“Teachers focus carefully on the basics, especially early reading [and] writing […]. Children practise the correct pencil grip and develop early transcription skills step by step. Phonics teaching follows a consistently effective approach. Children enjoy learning sounds and confidently read back their work.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in four areas, Expected standard in three areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Co-op Academy Hamilton, Staffordshire

“Pupils achieve very highly across the curriculum. […] This is particularly evident in pupils’ ability to read fluently. Leaders track reading progress carefully and ensure any gaps are addressed quickly. The proportion of pupils who meet the expected standard in the phonics screening check is consistently above national averages.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

St Jude’s Church of England Primary Academy, West Midlands

“Phonics teaching is precise and consistent. Staff match books closely to pupils’ reading knowledge and give pupils regular reading practice. This helps pupils develop accuracy, fluency and confidence in their reading. […] Children learn phonics from the start of Reception through accurate and consistent teaching.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in four areas, Expected standard in three areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Southfield Primary, South Yorkshire

“Early reading and early writing are taught well. […] Staff teach pupils to read sounds and form the matching letters. […] Leaders prioritise early reading and writing, which are taught well. Children move quickly from early mark-making to precise and accurate letter formation. […] By Reception, they can read a wide range of words and sentences. Children are very well prepared for the next stages of their education. […] Staff have an excellent understanding of the early years curriculum, which sets out the words and sounds each child needs to use confidently. ”
School Inspection: Strong standard in three areas and Expected standard in four areas.
Previous Inspection: Good

Stanley St Peters Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, West Yorkshire

“The teaching of early reading is a clear strength. It ensures that pupils read fluently. Pupils who are developing their early reading skills receive precise support to keep up. Recent work to further improve strategies to teach writing are showing impact in writing across the curriculum.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in six areas, Expected standard in one area
Previous Inspection: Good

Rivermead Primary School, Berkshire

“Children thrive in Reception Year and make a flying start to their education. […] Staff prioritise early reading […]. As a result, children excel. They quickly gain fluency and understanding and build their vocabulary well. Attainment in reading […] is often above the national average.”
Strong standard in four areas, Expected standard in three areas
Previous Inspection: No previous inspection

St Matthew’s CofE Primary School, West Midlands

“Those at the early stages of reading benefit from high-quality phonics lessons and timely extra help. The teaching of handwriting is a strength. Pupils develop accurate letter formation and their work is beautifully presented. […] Pupils consistently perform well in the Year 1 phonics check.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in four areas, Expected standard in three areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Spellbrook CofE Primary School, Hertfordshire

“pupils achieve well in phonics, where results continue to exceed national averages. […] Teachers begin teaching early reading as soon as children enter the Reception Year. Consistent phonics teaching from the start helps children excel in this area as they move on to their next stages of learning.”
School Inspection: Expected standard in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Stuart Road Primary Academy, Devon

“Pupils achieve well because staff track learning closely and address gaps quickly. Effective phonics teaching leads to outcomes above national averages in the phonics screening check in Year 1. […] Younger pupils begin each day with high-quality phonics, taught appropriately by well-trained staff. Pupils are supported to develop their writing alongside phonics and through studying different types of texts. Daily handwriting practice secures pupils’ writing fluency.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in two areas, Expected standard in five areas.
Previous Inspection: Good

Sandcross Primary School, Surrey

“In the Reception Year, routines for the teaching of phonics are well established. Children revisit sounds regularly. Targeted catch-up ensures that those who need additional support keep up with the pace of the programme. Children apply sounds confidently in their independent writing across both indoor and outdoor areas and take pride in sharing their work with adults.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in three areas and Expected standard in four areas.
Previous Inspection: Good