At Rainford CE, we believe that strong spelling skills are essential for effective communication, confident writing and lifelong learning. We are committed to developing pupils who can spell accurately, understand spelling patterns and apply their knowledge independently across the curriculum.

Our spelling curriculum is carefully sequenced to build upon children's phonics knowledge and develop a secure understanding of spelling rules, patterns and conventions. Using Spelling Shed, pupils are taught the statutory spelling requirements of the National Curriculum through engaging, interactive and progressive learning experiences. Spelling Shed provides opportunities for pupils to practise, revisit and apply their spelling knowledge both in school and at home, helping to reinforce learning and improve retention.

Each week, children are assigned spelling activities on Spelling Shed that reinforce the spelling pattern or rule they have been learning in class. These engaging online tasks provide opportunities for additional practice both at school and at home. Pupils complete a weekly spelling assessment to help monitor their progress and identify any areas where further support or consolidation may be needed. This regular cycle of teaching, practice and assessment helps children to develop confidence and accuracy in their spelling.

In addition to this, each half-term, pupils are given a set of Rainbow Spellings to learn and practise. These spelling lists include the Common Exception Words for Key Stage 1 and the statutory spellings for Key Stage 2, ensuring that children develop a secure understanding of the words expected for their age and stage of learning. Regular practice of these spellings helps pupils to improve their accuracy, build confidence and apply their spelling knowledge effectively in their writing across the curriculum.

We aim for all pupils to:

• Develop a secure understanding of spelling patterns, rules and conventions.
• Apply spelling strategies confidently in their independent writing.
• Understand the relationship between phonics, morphology and etymology in spelling.
• Learn and accurately use the statutory words appropriate to their year group.
• Build resilience and independence when tackling unfamiliar words.
• Take pride in presenting written work that is accurate and purposeful.

Through high-quality teaching, regular practice and meaningful application, we strive to enable every child to become a confident and competent speller, equipped with the skills they need to communicate effectively throughout their education and beyond.