Every Person Reading

Reading is at the heart of everything we do, because it is the key that unlocks the whole curriculum. From the very start, children learn to read through a systematic phonics and highly structured approach using Read Write Inc., which ensures they develop strong decoding skills, read accurately and build confidence early on.

Reading is also strongly supported beyond the classroom. Children take books home that are carefully matched to their reading ability, and families are guided so that home reading complements what is taught in school. This strong partnership helps pupils practise regularly and develop positive, lasting reading habits.

Once children can decode securely, we place a clear focus on reading fluency, following the Christopher Such approach. Pupils are taught to read with pace, accuracy and expression, enabling them to focus fully on meaning, enjoyment and deeper understanding.

Fluency provides the bridge to comprehension. We explicitly teach understanding through the VIPERS framework, giving pupils a shared language to discuss texts, ask questions and think critically. Purposeful opportunities for oracy are woven throughout reading lessons and across the curriculum, allowing pupils to articulate ideas, listen carefully, build on the contributions of others and deepen their understanding through discussion.

Reading is embedded across the curriculum, with carefully chosen texts used in all subjects. This ensures pupils encounter ambitious vocabulary, build background knowledge and develop reading stamina over time.

Our commitment to reading is further strengthened by our school library—a bespoke, purpose-designed space created to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning. Designed around the needs of our pupils, the library includes areas for quiet reading, small-group work and collaborative learning, supporting rich discussion and ensuring every child can enjoy books in a way that suits them best

Reading Spines 

First StepsNursery

ReceptionTreehouse

Year 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 6

Progression Map

Reading-Progression-Map-2025-26