English Reading

Reading is the bread and butter of everything we do. It underpins all areas of the curriculum and is central to our mission of developing confident, curious, and capable learners. We have a strong reading culture and are committed to promoting a lifelong love of reading in every child.

In EYFS and Year 1, phonics is taught through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, ensuring a consistent and effective approach to early reading. Upon graduation from the phonics programme, children begin to develop the skills needed to become successful, independent readers through the explicit teaching of nine key comprehension strategies.

Children are exposed to a wide variety of texts, encouraging them to explore different genres, authors, cultures, and perspectives to broaden their understanding of the world. Whole-class texts are carefully chosen for their richness, challenge, and relevance, while class libraries are thoughtfully stocked to support children in making meaningful and aspirational reading choices.

We recognise that reading at home is crucial to every child’s success, and we greatly value the role of parents and carers in fostering this habit. After completing the phonics programme, children are supported in selecting age- and stage-appropriate books, with no ceiling on what they can access, reflecting the high aspirations we hold for all our learners.

Our Reading Leader is Mrs Holly Graham.

Please make an appointment to see her if you would like any further information about the teaching of Reading at Outwoods Edge.