Reading at Our School

"Words are our most inexhaustible source of magic."

J.K. Rowling

At our school, we are passionate about developing confident, fluent, and enthusiastic readers. Reading is at the heart of our curriculum and is taught progressively from EYFS to Year 6 through high-quality phonics, guided reading, targeted interventions, and regular opportunities to enjoy books.

In EYFS and KS1, we follow the Twinkl Phonics Scheme, which provides a structured and progressive approach to learning phonics. This scheme helps children to decode words, recognise letter-sound patterns, and develop early reading skills systematically. The lessons include a ‘Read, Write, Apply’ framework, enabling children to practise sounds in reading, spelling, and writing. Children use Rhino Readers, levelled to their phonics stage, in individual and small-group sessions to apply their knowledge and build fluency. We also use Schofield & Sims guided reading materials to develop comprehension, vocabulary, and reading for meaning. Targeted interventions, including Twinkl phonics-based support, are provided for children who need extra help, ensuring no child falls behind.

In KS2, children continue to develop their reading through daily whole-class guided reading sessions using the Schofield & Sims scheme, which provides a structured sequence of reading texts and activities that build comprehension, fluency, inference, and vocabulary skills. The scheme encourages discussion and critical thinking about texts, helping children to analyse, interpret, and engage deeply with reading. Reading opportunities are also embedded across foundation subjects, allowing children to apply their skills in history, science, geography, and more. Where assessments identify gaps, targeted interventions ensure children continue to progress confidently and build their independence as readers.

At our school, we encourage reading at home to support learning in the classroom. Every child takes home a levelled reading book, with progress recorded in a home–school reading record. EYFS and KS1 families have access to an online Rhino Reader each week via Twinkl Go, linked directly to the phonics teaching, which allows children to practise decoding and comprehension at home. Teachers monitor home reading and encourage children to read at least four times per week, providing additional support in school for children who need it.

We actively promote a love of reading across the school. Children enjoy daily whole-class story time, following the Tolleshunt D’Arcy reading spine, as well as library time, book buddy sessions, and opportunities for independent book choice. Reading achievements are celebrated through weekly Star Reader certificates, recognising effort, progress, and positive attitudes, and a weekly reading raffle rewards children who engage regularly with books.

At our school, we believe that reading is not only a key academic skill but also a gateway to imagination, curiosity, and lifelong learning. By using structured, high-quality schemes and providing consistent support, we aim for every child to leave our school as a confident, motivated, and enthusiastic reader.