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Spelling

Our Rationale

At Hayes Primary School, we believe that secure spelling is a vital skill that enables children to communicate their ideas clearly and confidently across the whole curriculum. Strong spelling supports pupils to write fluently, focus on the quality of their ideas and express their understanding accurately in all subjects.

To become effective and confident writers, children need to develop a secure understanding of spelling patterns, rules and strategies, as well as the ability to apply these independently in their writing. Our spelling curriculum is carefully structured and taught consistently so that knowledge builds progressively over time.

Our Approach to Teaching Spelling

We use the Read Write Inc. Spelling programme to provide a clear, systematic and consistent approach to spelling from Year 2 to Year 6, following the completion of the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme.

Spelling is taught through short, focused daily sessions that build on pupils’ phonics knowledge and develop their understanding of spelling patterns, word structures and morphology. Lessons are fast-paced and engaging, ensuring that children regularly practise and revisit spelling strategies so that learning is secure and retained.

Pupils are taught how to:

  • apply phonics knowledge to spelling
  • recognise and use common spelling patterns and rules
  • understand how prefixes, suffixes and root words affect spelling and meaning
  • spell both common and more complex words accurately
  • apply spelling skills confidently in their independent writing

Spelling is closely linked to writing, so that children are supported to transfer what they learn in spelling lessons into their work across the curriculum.

Through this structured and progressive approach, we aim to ensure that all pupils develop the spelling knowledge and confidence they need to write clearly, accurately and with increasing independence as they move through the school.