At Epsom Primary School, our vision for reading is to foster confident and fluent readers who derive deep enjoyment from reading whole texts. We are committed to consistently implementing evidence-informed practices that prepare children to read to learn in the future, nurturing a lifelong love for reading.

Our Approach to Reading

Reading underpins everything we do at Epsom Primary School. From the very beginning of their journey in Nursery and Reception, children are immersed in language-rich environments that develop their listening, attention, and vocabulary skills. The early stages of reading are carefully nurtured through daily phonics sessions, high-quality story time, and rich opportunities for talk. We know that the foundations laid in the Early Years are crucial in shaping confident and motivated readers for life.

As children move through school, they are taught to decode using the Read Write Inc. Phonics Scheme, which builds essential early reading skills. As their reading develops, pupils take part in explicit fluency lessons designed to improve their expression, accuracy, and pace—key skills that support confident, independent reading. In earlier stages, fluency is embedded within phonics lessons, where children practise reading with increasing confidence and control.

Throughout the school, pupils are taught comprehension strategies explicitly, enabling them to reflect on, question, and make sense of what they read. We prioritise the use of high-quality whole-class texts, chosen with care to represent a wide range of voices, experiences, and cultures. These texts are often linked to the wider curriculum, helping pupils make meaningful connections across subjects and bringing learning to life.

Reading happens across all areas of the curriculum. Pupils are regularly exposed to ambitious, diverse texts that challenge their thinking, inspire discussion, and provide opportunities for deep engagement with language. Carefully selected class reads are shared aloud, modelling reading for pleasure and exposing children to new vocabulary, ideas, and genres.

Creating Motivated and Independent Readers

We build an intrinsic motivation to read by nurturing curiosity, enjoyment, and a genuine connection to books. We are continually investing in and curating a high-quality, inclusive school library to ensure all children can find texts that reflect their interests, identities, and the diversity of the world around them.

We know that children are more likely to become lifelong readers when they are encouraged to explore stories that capture their imagination—whether it’s through a teacher’s recommendation, a book from a familiar series, or a title shared during story time. Our approach promotes choice, engagement, and a love for reading that grows naturally over time, helping pupils to develop confidence, independence, and a reading identity of their own.

Support for Every Reader

We are proud of our “keep up, not catch up” approach to reading support. Pupils who need extra help benefit from targeted phonics intervention, led by a highly trained, full-time intervention teacher. Phonics groups are tailored to each pupil’s reading ability, ensuring they access high-quality input at the right level for them.

Across the school, reading is supported through our 1:1 reading programme and dedicated fluency groups, with trained adults working closely with children to build confidence and fluency. We regularly assess all pupils’ progress to ensure every child receives the support they need at the right time in their reading journey.

Empowering Readers with a Strong Identity

We believe that reading is more than a skill—it’s part of who we are. We want every child to see themselves as a reader: enthusiastic, thoughtful, and connected to a world of stories and knowledge. Through our approach to reading, we aim to help children develop a strong reading identity, where they feel proud of their progress and excited by the opportunities reading brings. Ultimately, our vision for reading is to ensure that every child becomes a lifelong reader, equipped with the skills to read to learn in the future, and a deep love for reading that will last a lifetime.