English - Reading

Intent

At St Richard’s we aim to create a love for Reading, Writing and Spelling through a consistent approach of teaching. We want every child to have the skills to decode words and texts in order to be able to read fluently with a solid understanding of what they have read. We want every child to leave the school with the skills of an outstanding reader, writer and speller. We are dedicated to enabling our pupils to become lifelong readers and we believe reading is key for academic success.

Implementation

At St Richard’s Primary School, reading is a fundamental priority and underpins the entire curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils become fluent, confident readers who develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading, in line with the expectations of the National Curriculum for England.

Reading begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage through the systematic, synthetic phonics scheme Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised. This programme is delivered daily and provides children with a structured and consistent approach to early reading. Children are taught to decode words accurately and to build fluency through carefully matched, fully decodable texts. Regular assessment ensures that teaching is closely aligned to each child’s developing phonics knowledge, and timely intervention is provided where needed.

As pupils progress through Key Stage 1 and into Key Stage 2, reading development is supported through the Accelerated Reader programme. Children select books that are appropriately matched to their reading ability, identified through regular assessments. After completing each book, pupils complete an online quiz to assess comprehension and understanding. This allows teachers to monitor progress, identify strengths and next steps, and ensure continued challenge.

Through structured teaching, assessment, and a strong reading culture, St Richard’s ensures that all pupils are supported to achieve reading success.

Impact

By the time children leave St Richard’s, they are competent readers who can recommend books to their peers, have a thirst for reading a range of genres including poetry, and participate in discussions about books, including evaluating an author’s use of language and the impact this can have on the reader.  They can also read books to enhance their knowledge and understanding of all subjects of the curriculum, and communicate their research to a wider audience. Children will place value on reading for pleasure, which will enhance empathy, understanding of the self and the ability to understand one’s own and others’ identities.