All children from Nursery to Y2 receive daily, systematic, synthetic phonics lessons to develop their awareness of letter sounds and their ability to blend (read) and segment (spell) fluently. Key Stage 2 children also access daily sessions if their own phonics understanding needs further development. Children are grouped into different ‘phases’ for these lessons to ensure their individual needs, which are highlighted through rigorous and regular assessments, are being met.
At Preston Primary, we see the development of children’s reading as a very high priority. From Nursery through to the end of KS2, we cater for every child, through targeted teaching and intervention programmes. Reading for enjoyment is promoted and encouraged, both at school and at home.
Our Reading Schemes
- Reading Rockets – Foundation Stage
- Songbirds – Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1
- Oxford Reading Tree – Year 1
- Collins Pathways – Year 2 & Key Stage 2
- Heinemann Literacy World – Key Stage 2
- Oxford Literacy Web – Key Stage 2
All children engage in reading sessions with their teachers and teaching assistants. At Foundation Stage, children begin formally taking reading books home as their phonics ability becomes embedded into their everyday reading practice. In Y1, children read weekly, on a one-to-one basis with their teacher. Weekly guided reading sessions are used from Y2 to Y6. Children are grouped according to their reading and comprehension abilities.
Further reading activities are delivered through Literacy lessons and other areas of the curriculum.
Intervention programs are in place for those children who will benefit from a more targeted, one-to-one approach to reading. This involves children accessing a reading ‘Catch-Up’ scheme, enabling these children to become more confident in their reading ability and empowering them to achieve their potential.