At Manor Road Primary School, we believe that confident spellers become confident writers. Our spelling curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of spelling patterns, phonics, morphology and vocabulary so that they can apply their knowledge accurately and independently across all areas of learning. We use Ready Steady Spell from Year 2 to Year 6 to provide a structured, cumulative approach to spelling that builds on the strong phonics foundations established through our Bug Club Phonics programme in EYFS and Key Stage 1.

We aim to foster curiosity about words and language, enabling pupils to understand not only how words are spelt, but also why they are spelt that way. Through explicit teaching, retrieval practice and meaningful application, pupils develop the confidence, resilience and independence needed to become successful spellers and writers. Our curriculum ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum spelling requirements, including statutory word lists, and equips pupils with the skills needed to communicate effectively throughout their education and beyond.

Implementation

In EYFS and Key Stage 1, children develop early reading and spelling skills through Bug Club Phonics, a systematic synthetic phonics programme that provides pupils with a secure understanding of sound–letter correspondence and the foundations for successful spelling. As pupils move into Key Stage 2, these skills are built upon through the Ready Steady Spell programme.

Ready Steady Spell provides a carefully sequenced progression of spelling knowledge and skills aligned to the National Curriculum. Lessons revisit and build upon prior learning to support long-term retention and mastery. Teaching focuses on the exploration and application of phonics, morphology, etymology and spelling conventions, helping pupils identify patterns and make meaningful connections between words.

Children engage in a range of activities including explicit teaching, retrieval practice, word investigations, partner discussion, proofreading, editing and application within independent writing. Statutory spelling lists, common exception words and high-frequency vocabulary are taught alongside spelling rules and patterns. Assessment is used regularly to identify misconceptions and inform next steps, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, are supported and challenged appropriately.

Spelling is reinforced across the wider curriculum, with teachers encouraging pupils to apply their growing knowledge and strategies in all areas of writing. Pupils are supported to become reflective learners who can explain spelling choices, identify errors and independently improve their work.

Impact

As a result of our progressive phonics and spelling curriculum, pupils develop strong spelling knowledge, increased confidence and greater independence as writers. Building on the foundations established through Bug Club Phonics, children are able to apply phonological knowledge, spelling patterns and word structures effectively when writing.

Pupils demonstrate secure understanding of age-related spelling expectations and can use a range of strategies to spell unfamiliar words. They show resilience when editing and improving their work, take pride in the accuracy of their writing and increasingly transfer spelling knowledge across the curriculum.

The impact of our approach is evident through high-quality written outcomes, pupil voice, book scrutiny, ongoing assessment and end-of-key-stage performance. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are well prepared for the spelling, punctuation and grammar demands of secondary education and have the knowledge, skills and confidence to communicate effectively. At Manor Road, we strive for every child to leave as a confident, accurate and enthusiastic user of language who is ready for the next stage of their learning journey.