English

At Holtsmere End Infant and Nursery School, we are committed to developing confident, enthusiastic and capable communicators through a rich and engaging English curriculum. Our approach is underpinned by the DfE’s Writing and Reading frameworks supplemented by the Herts for Learning (HFL) Essential Writing guidance, which ensure clear progression, high expectations and consistency across all year groups.

Reading lies at the heart of our curriculum. We follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme for the systematic teaching of phonics, enabling children to become fluent, accurate readers from the earliest stages. Alongside this, we prioritise reading for pleasure, providing a wide range of high-quality, diverse texts and creating regular opportunities for children to share, discuss and enjoy books. We believe that fostering a love of reading is fundamental to children’s future success.

Writing is carefully sequenced, taking into account the recommendations of the DfE’s Writing framework and through the HFL Essential Writing guidance, ensuring children develop the skills to write with purpose, creativity and increasing independence. Children are exposed to high-quality texts, which act as models and inspiration for their own writing. They are supported to develop transcriptional skills through the teaching of phonics and spelling, alongside the Little Wandle Handwriting programme, which promotes correct letter formation and fluent handwriting.

Oracy is a central strand of our English curriculum. We explicitly teach speaking and listening skills, enabling children to articulate their ideas, use ambitious vocabulary and engage in meaningful discussions. Structured talk opportunities are woven throughout lessons to support comprehension, deepen understanding and prepare children for writing.

Through our carefully planned and inclusive approach, we aim for all children to leave our school as confident readers, purposeful writers and effective communicators, equipped with the skills they need for the next stage of their education.

Essential Writing

Essential Writing Whole School Overview

Year 1 2025-26 Essential Writing Long Term Overview

Year 2 2025-26 Essential Writing Long Term Overview

Sentence Structure Progression Guidance 

Writing Photos

Phonics

Please see our Phonics section on the 'Learning' drop down for information about our use of the 'Little Wandle Letters and Sounds' Phonics programme.   

English Photos