2 November 2015,

Dear Mr Talbot,

I am writing to convey my warmest congratulations to you, your staff and your pupis for the very high standard of achievment in the 2015 phonics screening check.

We want to ensure that every child develops a firm grasp of phonics which is why I was so delighted to see your results.  With at least 95% of pupils at Smith's Wood Primary reaching or exceeding the pass mark in the check, your school is in the top 5% of all primary schools in the country,

This year'sfigures show that 99% pupils who acieve the expected standard in the check go on to achieve at least the expected standard in Key Stage 1 Reading, which underlines the value of developing the ability to decode words effectively at an early age.

I am pleased to learn that you have ensured that your Year 1 children have a firm foundation in reading, from which they can develop further and become increasingly fluent readers.

Thank you for your work in this vital area of a child's early education and congratulations again to you and your staff for your hard work and professionalism.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Nick Gibb MP