From Nursery phonics is taught through the use of Letters and Sounds phase 1. Then children begin to learn set 1 sounds following the Nursery Read Write Inc. handbook. In Reception, children learn phonics through the Read, Write Inc. scheme. Alongside the Read Write Inc. scheme, red words, which can’t be decoded, are taught within phonics lessons. These words are planned out and coincide with the red words that children will need to recognise when reading sound appropriate books. This allows children who are learning to read to feel successful when faced with words that can’t be decoded and also allows them to apply their knowledge of known sounds. Children follow the ORT reading scheme and also have access to supplementary books. Across school we use a range of reading schemes and texts which incorporate fiction and non-fiction texts. Guided reading is also an integral part of our English curriculum, where groups of children engage with a number of carefully planned sessions working with a teacher, teaching assistant or independently, exploring the meaning of the books being read.

As well as daily Guided Reading sessions, a reading comprehension programme is used online called ‘Reading Planet’ which gives children the opportunity to apply comprehension skills independently. Children can also access this at home.

Story time happens at the end of every day, where a quality story or poem is shared with children. This is a time for all children to engage in a story telling session with an adult. The texts used are carefully selected from Pie Corbett’s reading and poetry spine to ensure children are exposed to age-appropriate, exciting texts. This is a time that children look forward to and treasure. Through this, children are able to talk about a range of authors and poets.