Spelling
Spelling at Ashton Hayes Primary School
Vision for Spelling
At Ashton Hayes Primary School, we believe that accurate spelling is a fundamental skill that enables children to become confident, fluent and effective writers. Secure spelling allows pupils to focus on communicating their ideas clearly, creatively and accurately across the curriculum.
We are committed to developing strong foundational skills and recognise that spelling plays a vital role in writing success. Through consistent teaching, regular practice and high expectations, we aim to ensure that every child develops the knowledge, strategies and confidence needed to become an increasingly accurate speller.
We aim for all pupils to:
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develop confidence and accuracy in spelling across the curriculum
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understand spelling patterns, rules and conventions
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apply spelling knowledge independently in their writing
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develop strategies to learn, remember and retrieve spelling knowledge
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become resilient learners who understand that accurate spelling develops through practice and application.
Implementation
Spelling is taught through Ready Steady Spell from Literacy Counts, an award-recognised, research-informed programme that provides a carefully sequenced progression from Year 2 to Year 6. The curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and is designed to help pupils become fluent, accurate and confident spellers.
Lessons are delivered through consistent teaching routines, engaging activities and regular opportunities to revisit and retrieve previously taught learning, helping pupils move spelling knowledge into their long-term memory.
Spelling is a whole-school priority at Ashton Hayes Primary School. Teachers provide regular opportunities for pupils to apply their spelling knowledge within purposeful writing across the curriculum, ensuring that spelling is taught not as an isolated skill but as an essential part of becoming a successful writer.
Ongoing assessment informs teaching, and pupils requiring additional support receive targeted intervention through Ready Steady Spell: Go, ensuring that every child is supported to make strong progress.
Impact
Through our spelling curriculum, pupils develop the confidence and accuracy needed to write fluently across the curriculum. They become increasingly secure in applying spelling rules, patterns and strategies independently within their writing.
By the time pupils leave Ashton Hayes Primary School, they understand that accurate spelling supports clear communication and enables them to write with greater confidence, precision and independence. These secure foundations prepare them well for the next stage of their education and contribute to our vision of developing enthusiastic, successful writers.