Reading

We believe that reading is the key to unlocking learning across the curriculum. Through high-quality texts and engaging reading experiences, pupils develop fluency, comprehension and a genuine love of books. Children are exposed to a rich and diverse range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, helping them to broaden their vocabulary, deepen their understanding of the world and become lifelong readers.

Regular reading improves vocabulary, writing skills, and concentration. For younger children, it builds imagination and creativity, while for older learners, it fosters independent thinking and lifelong curiosity. Beyond academics, reading can be a source of relaxation and inspiration—transporting us to other times and places, and even offering comfort in difficult moments.

In a world filled with many various distractions, making time for books encourages patience, empathy, and deeper understanding. By valuing reading, we nurture not only academic success but also well-rounded, thoughtful individuals prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

From EYFS to Year 2, we follow the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, providing children with a consistent and systematic approach to phonics and early reading. Through daily phonics teaching and carefully matched reading books, children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to become successful readers. Parents can find further information about our approach to phonics and early reading on our Phonics and Early Reading page.

From the Spring Term of Year 2 through to Year 6, we use The Fluency Factory to support the development of reading fluency. The programme helps children build the essential bridge between decoding words and understanding what they read, enabling them to become accurate, confident and expressive readers. Through regular opportunities to practise and reread a range of engaging texts, pupils develop their accuracy, reading pace and prosody, allowing them to read with greater understanding, confidence and enjoyment. 

By nurturing strong reading habits and a love of literature from the very beginning, we aim to ensure that every child leaves our school as a confident, fluent and enthusiastic reader.