Project Update – January 2025
In January 2025, we reached out to Sneyd Academy for an update on their project.  Here’s what project lead, Victoria Bennett-Smith, had to say …
“Our project has started well, we can see how the attitudes of the children have changed. Having the books that are of more of an age appropriate resource really helps with confidence and the children are happy to read to an adult (or buddy). The Little Wandle resources are fabulous and the rapid phonics really supports the accelerated progress that we need to see for these children.”
What is the project?

Victoria Bennett-Smith, Assistant Principal at Sneyd Academy, Stoke on Trent, submitted a bid to support Key Stage Two learners at the school with continued phonics study.  The Academy has seen great success using a specific phonics curriculum in Key Stage 1 and were keen to make age-specific resources available alongside continued teaching of phonics to the older learners at Sneyd Academy.

How will learners benefit?

Currently, some learners in Key Stage 2 are having to use phonics resources, including reading books, that are designed for a younger audience.  These older learners have also already used the books earlier in their time at the school.  New fluency teaching resources as well as age -specific sets of books means the learners will benefit from a more enjoyable reading experience as they build their confidence, fluency and exposure to books.

Why was it funded?

The trustees recognised the importance of developing reading fluency and increasing exposure to books to develop a love of reading later in life.  Trustees are also aware that this focus on reading will have a wider impact across all areas of learning.  In addition, the impact measures outlined by Victoria in her bid were very specific and measurable.