a. Reading in School

Our Reading Vision 

At our school, reading is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that reading opens doors to learning, imagination and future opportunities. We aim to develop confident, fluent readers who not only have the skills to read successfully but who also develop a lifelong love of books. Through high-quality teaching, daily reading opportunities and a rich reading culture, we encourage every child to see themselves as a reader. 

Daily ERIC (Everyone Reading in Class) 

Every day, our children take part in ERIC, which stands for Everyone Reading in Class. This protected time allows children to become fully immersed in books, develop reading stamina and experience the pleasure of reading independently. During ERIC sessions, staff read alongside children, modelling the importance and enjoyment of reading. These daily opportunities help foster a calm, positive reading culture throughout the school. 

Guided Reading 

Guided Reading takes place each week and provides children with regular opportunities to explore high-quality texts in greater depth. Lessons focus on developing key reading skills, including comprehension, vocabulary, inference, prediction and discussion. Children are encouraged to think critically about what they read, justify their opinions and develop a deeper understanding of a wide range of texts. 

Phonics 

We teach early reading through the Rocket Phonics programme. Rocket Phonics provides a structured and systematic approach to phonics, helping children develop the knowledge and skills they need to become confident readers and writers. Through engaging lessons, regular practice and carefully matched reading books, children build fluency and confidence as they progress through the programme. 

Reading for Pleasure 

We are passionate about helping children develop a genuine love of reading. Classrooms are filled with high-quality texts and children have regular opportunities to discover new authors, genres and favourites. Staff actively promote reading by sharing book recommendations and displaying the books they are currently reading on classroom and office doors. By seeing adults as readers, our children understand that reading is valued throughout our school community. 

Reading Across the Curriculum 

Reading extends far beyond English lessons. Children encounter and explore a wide range of texts across all curriculum subjects, including history, geography, science, religious education and the arts. By reading widely, children deepen their knowledge, develop their vocabulary and learn how reading supports learning in every area of life.