Rhian Rogers
As summer approaches and the academic year draws to a close, many teachers find themselves deep in the process of writing end-of-year reports. This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the progress your pupils have made—particularly in the foundational areas of phonics and early reading, which are critical for lifelong literacy success.
This blog offers guidance, insights, and practical tips to help document children’s reading development in a meaningful, precise, and parent-friendly way, to celebrate pupil achievement and provide useful next steps.
Why Phonics and Early Reading Matter in Reports
Phonics is not just a curriculum requirement—it’s the key that unlocks a child’s ability to read independently. By the end of Reception and Year 1, children should have developed secure phonological awareness, blending and segmenting skills, and a growing fluency with decodable texts. Phonics instruction is most impactful when it’s systematic, multisensory, and cumulative. When children engage with a programme, like Monster Phonics, that embeds these principles their journey is easier to chart and report on.
Reports serve multiple purposes:
· Celebration of progress for pupils and parents.
· Assessment record for internal tracking and future teachers.
· Communication tool to highlight support needs or next steps.
Clear reporting helps reinforce home-school partnerships and supports children’s continued growth over the summer break.
What to Include in the Report
1. Phonics Knowledge
Be explicit about what stage of phonics the child is secure in and any gaps they may have.
Mention:
· Which phonemes and graphemes they have mastered.
· Blending and segmenting abilities.
· Their ability to apply phonics knowledge in reading and spelling.
Example: “Ella confidently blends and segments unfamiliar words using her knowledge of alternative graphemes. She applies this effectively in both her reading and writing.”
2. Reading Fluency and Comprehension
Reading isn’t just decoding—it’s about meaning too. Comment on:
· Fluency and expression.
· Stamina when reading.
· Understanding of what they read (literal and inferential).
Example: “Jacob reads with growing fluency and uses intonation to convey meaning. He enjoys discussing stories and can answer questions about characters and events with increasing independence.”
3. Reading Attitudes and Habits
Highlight the child’s engagement with reading:
· Do they read at home?
· Are they self-motivated to choose and read books?
· Do they talk about books with enthusiasm?
Example: “Amara is an enthusiastic reader who regularly chooses to read during free time. She enjoys both fiction and non-fiction texts and can explain her preferences with clarity.”
4. Intervention and Support
If additional support has been provided, mention its impact and any continued needs:
· 1:1 or small group phonics work.
· Daily or weekly phonics intervention sessions.
· Use of specific resources or schemes.
Example: “Harry has benefitted from targeted phonics intervention this term and has made steady progress in his blending skills. Continued support will help him consolidate his learning.”
Language Tips for Report Writing
· Use positive, constructive language: Emphasise effort and growth.
· Avoid jargon: Use clear terms that parents will understand.
· Be personalised: Reflect the individual child’s journey, not just curriculum statements.
· Include next steps: Suggest ways parents can reinforce phonics at home, including use of decodable books or digital games aligned with classroom teaching.
Celebrating Growth
Every child makes progress—some in leaps, others in steady steps. Reporting on phonics and reading gives teachers a chance to recognise that growth, however it manifests. It also strengthens the home-school partnership that is essential for nurturing confident, capable readers.
The end of the year is not just a time for assessment, but for recognition. Each child’s journey in phonics and reading—whether steady or swift—is a success worth celebrating.
As you write your reports, remember: your words are powerful. They shape how children see themselves as learners and readers. Take the time to make that impact count.
Need more support with assessing phonics and reading?
Explore Monster Phonics online assessment and tracking tools and our vast professional development resources to make reporting easier and more insightful.
If you’re interested in exploring these tools or introducing Monster Phonics in your setting, visit monsterphonics.com or contact us for support.