At Highfield Primary School, we believe that accurate spelling is an essential skill which allows children to communicate their understanding of all curriculum subjects.

Our effective classroom provision is based on a secure understanding of how children learn to spell and which learning activities support this.

In order for our children to develop into effective and confident writers, they need to develop and use a range of effective spelling strategies. By providing them with a range of strategies, we equip them with the independence to attempt spellings before asking for support.

We recognise the vital importance of teaching phonics and spelling systematically so that knowledge and skills can be embedded. Therefore, we ensure that there a consistent approach to the teaching of spelling.

Our aim is to:

• help children recognise that spelling is a valuable, lifelong communication skill
• encourage children to take an interest in words
• encourage children to have a positive view of themselves as spellers
• encourage children to be aware of the reader of their writing
• encourage creativity, where children have the confidence to use and spell more challenging and ambitious words

We do this by:

• providing equal opportunities for all pupils to achieve success in spelling
• teaching the children a range of effective spelling strategies and supporting them in choosing the one that suits their needs 
• enhancing proofreading and editing skills
• supporting children to use a range of resources to support spelling, for example, dictionaries and word banks

Ultimately, we want our children to develop a love of language and the confidence to spell across the curriculum. In providing them with opportunities to develop a rich and exciting vocabulary, we are enabling them to become effective communicators.