Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)

Intent

At Kielder Primary School and Nursery, the teaching of spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG) is an essential part of our literacy curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that pupils develop accurate spelling, secure grammatical understanding and confident application of punctuation, enabling them to communicate effectively in writing across the curriculum.

Our approach to spelling is underpinned by strong foundations in phonics through Read Write Inc. (RWI). Pupils develop early spelling skills through secure phoneme–grapheme knowledge, blending and segmenting. Once pupils have established these foundations and completed the RWI programme, they progress to using Spelling Shed to further develop spelling patterns, rules and exceptions. This ensures a clear, progressive pathway from phonics-based spelling to more complex spelling knowledge.

Our SPaG curriculum aligns closely with our Thrive and Excel @ Kielder Framework by developing pupils’ academic confidence, independence, metacognitive awareness and resilience. Pupils are supported to take ownership of their learning, reflect on their progress and apply SPaG skills across a wide range of contexts.

Intent Aims

Our SPaG curriculum aims to:

• Build Spelling Proficiency – Equip pupils with the skills to spell words accurately, use punctuation correctly and apply grammatical structures confidently, supporting high-quality written communication.

• Promote Independent Learning – Encourage pupils to take ownership of their spelling and grammar development by using strategies, rules and self-checking tools to improve accuracy.

• Engage and Motivate – Use Spelling Shed’s interactive, game-based approach to make spelling practice enjoyable and motivating, fostering positive attitudes towards learning.

• Support Diverse Learners – Meet the needs of pupils across different ages and stages of development through targeted support, challenge and differentiated provision.

Implementation

Our SPaG provision is structured, progressive and closely aligned to pupils’ phonics and reading development. Key elements of our implementation include:

Strong Foundations Through Read Write Inc.

In the early stages, pupils’ spelling development is rooted in high-quality phonics teaching through Read Write Inc. Pupils learn to spell using phoneme–grapheme correspondence, oral blending and segmenting, and application of phonics knowledge in writing. This ensures that early spelling is securely phonics-based and developmentally appropriate.

Progressive Transition to Spelling Shed

Once pupils have completed the RWI programme and have secure phonics knowledge, they transition to Spelling Shed. This marks a clear progression from phonics-based spelling to the teaching of spelling patterns, rules and exceptions, including morphology and etymology where appropriate. This ensures continuity, progression and increasing challenge as pupils move through the school.

Structured and Systematic Practice

Spelling Shed provides a structured, tiered approach to spelling instruction. Teachers use the programme to introduce, practise and revisit spelling patterns and rules in a progressive sequence, carefully matched to pupils’ stage of development. This supports consistency and progression across mixed-age classes.

Interactive and Engaging Learning

Spelling Shed’s interactive games and activities are used to engage pupils and support different learning styles. This promotes motivation, enjoyment and sustained engagement, supporting the TEK Framework’s focus on wellbeing, confidence and positive learning behaviours.

Assessment and Responsive Teaching

Teachers regularly monitor pupils’ spelling progress through Spelling Shed’s built-in assessment tools, alongside analysis of pupils’ written work. This enables staff to identify strengths and gaps and to adapt teaching and intervention accordingly. This reflective, responsive approach supports the TEK Framework’s emphasis on metacognition, resilience and continuous improvement.

Home and School Partnership

Pupils are encouraged to use Spelling Shed both in school and at home, promoting consistency and regular practice. Parents are supported to understand how to help their children practise spelling effectively, strengthening the partnership between home and school.

Cross-Curricular Application

SPaG skills are reinforced and assessed across the wider curriculum. Teachers expect pupils to apply spelling, punctuation and grammar knowledge in all written work, ensuring that skills are transferred and embedded in meaningful contexts. This supports pupils to become confident, accurate writers across subjects.

Impact

Through our progressive SPaG curriculum, underpinned by Read Write Inc. and supported by Spelling Shed, and aligned with our TEK Framework, we ensure that pupils:

• Develop secure spelling knowledge, progressing from phonics-based spelling to accurate application of spelling rules and patterns.

• Apply punctuation and grammar accurately to improve the clarity and quality of their writing.

• Demonstrate increasing independence and confidence in checking and improving their own work.

• Show resilience and perseverance when tackling unfamiliar words and complex spelling patterns.

• Transfer SPaG skills effectively across the wider curriculum, supporting overall literacy development.

By the time pupils leave Kielder Primary School and Nursery, they are confident, accurate and reflective writers who demonstrate the TEK Framework competencies of independence, communication, metacognition and resilience. They are well prepared to meet the demands of secondary education and to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts.