Vision
Reading is the key to unlocking learning and opportunity. Our goal is developing fluent, confident readers who engage with texts thoughtfully and develop a sustained interest in books through structured instruction paired with family involvement.
Early Years and Key Stage 1
Staff are trained in Little Wandle phonics with seven core principles guiding instruction:
- Daily, brief phonics sessions
- Whole-school consistency
- Systematic, progressive learning
- Brisk instructional pace
- Repeated practice opportunities
- Decodable books matched to phonics knowledge
- Early intervention for struggling learners
Children prepare for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check through daily teaching and word games. In Year 2, instruction builds on phonics foundations to develop spelling understanding.
Little Wandle guided reading occurs twice weekly in small groups, focusing on decoding, fluency and comprehension skills.
Key Stage 2
Pupils engage in twice-weekly reading lessons emphasising discussion and text analysis. Key features include:
- Choral and paired reading for fluency practice
- Comprehension questioning
- Daily read-alouds from a curated Reading Spine
- Regular one-on-one reading with staff and volunteers
- Small-group support for struggling readers
- Weekly library visits
Progress monitoring
The curriculum addresses nine key areas: decoding, fluency, language comprehension, vocabulary, inference, authorial intent, reading pleasure, text structure and critical thinking. Teachers use ongoing assessment, fluency checks and termly comprehension tests to identify gaps and adjust instruction accordingly.