We will use a structured phonics scheme. The daily, systematic teaching of phonics is the most effective way of young children developing their reading skills. These fast-paced, visual, structured and engaging lessons are ideal for motivating children at the early stages of learning English. The teaching of synthetic phonics will be in Years 1 and 2, linked to a series of graded books before moving onto the next set of sounds. We intend that by the end of Year 2 most pupils will be fluent readers and will no longer need discreet phonics teaching for their reading to progress.
A series of targeted reading recovery workshops will ensure that all children can progress to Key Stage 2 as good readers. We will use reading tests throughout the school to check the impact of our reading recovery programmes. For pupils with a special educational need, an individual personalised SEN ‘passport’ will be created and shared with teaching and other staff, to ensure that tailored and specific intervention is in place, through the use of Teaching Assistants and Higher Level Teaching Assistants.
We want our pupils to be passionate and enthusiastic readers from the outset. We will provide high quality books and, displayed in high profile areas of the school to entice the most reluctant reader. Our displays will be language rich and cross-curricular opportunities will be maximised. We will ensure that each class benefits from being read to by a range of adults.
We will involve parents throughout the school in providing classes for them for their own development and to help them assist their child. Our enrichment programme, including extra-curricular activities will provide opportunities for reading. Themed book weeks, authors invited to school and book clubs will all be used to promote a love of reading.