Intent

We view reading as an entitlement for all, and understand that it is a fundamental skill that is key, not only to academic success, but confidence and motivation in life-long learning. Therefore, we ensure that reading is taught to the highest of standards and have developed a consistent approach to reading in order to ensure progression across the school, close gaps and overcome any barriers. Our vision is that every child will learn to read, regardless of their background, needs or abilities. We aim to foster a love of reading and build a community of passionate, engaged readers who read for pleasure and read widely across the curriculum. 
Implementation

At Inspire, we prioritise and meticulously track reading development from Early Years Foundation Stage through Key Stage 2. In the early years and KS1, we utilise the systematic synthetic phonics programme Little Wandle, complemented by the Collins Big Cat Letters & Sounds reading scheme. Daily phonics sessions engage children in speaking, listening, spelling, and reading activities tailored to their individual needs, with all children reading aloud daily. As children progress to KS2, the focus shifts to building fluency and comprehension, with the goal of all children reading fluently by the end of Year 2. KS2 pupils continue daily reading through whole-class sessions and cross-curricular opportunities. Targeted interventions are provided for children needing additional support, addressing individual gaps and developmental stages.

We recognise that effective reading instruction relies on highly trained staff with strong subject knowledge, consistent approaches across year groups, and well-organised, high-quality resources. Adaptive teaching strategies and rigorous assessments are employed to close gaps and ensure all children reach their full potential. Story time is embedded in all classrooms, reading is integrated across the curriculum, and learning spaces are language-rich environments with inviting book corners. Diverse and inclusive texts are carefully selected, and vocabulary development is emphasised through exploring definitions and connections to known words. We actively engage parents in supporting their children's reading at home through guidance, daily take-home books, classroom reading invitations, and partnerships with local libraries and reading volunteers. Reading is celebrated throughout the year with awards, reading challenges, book fairs, author visits, and special events like World Book Day.

Impact 

We know we have achieved our aims when children are engaged in reading, display enthusiasm and choose to read for pleasure. Our aims also mean that the number of children achieving the expected standard or higher in reading is above national averages, and through targeted intervention, those who find reading challenging are helped to catch up. Statutory assessments at the end of Reception, KS2 and the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check show this and that all children have made excellent progress from their starting points. As we firmly believe that reading is the key to all learning, we also know that the impact of our reading curriculum goes beyond the results of the statutory assessments. We give all children the opportunity to enter the magical worlds that books open up to them, and ensure they have the essential skills to transition confidently to each new stage. Children read across the curriculum and, as a result, their skills are enhanced and their understanding of the world is increased.

Why reading is important

At Foxfield, we believe reading underpins success across all aspects of the curriculum. We don’t just teach children to read, we create lifelong learners.

Through developing oracy and book talk alongside the basic skills of decoding, children’s language acquisition effectively develops alongside their reading attainment. Through accessing carefully selected, rich texts that are both read and read aloud; our children have multiple exposures to vocabulary and second tier words. Fluency and comprehension are the core values in our approach to developing successful readers.