The importance of learning to read cannot be underestimated. Reading enables children to succeed across the curriculum, access countless aspects of daily life and develop aspirations that extend far beyond their immediate experiences. At our Academy, we recognise that becoming a skilled reader is about far more than simply decoding words on a page. Our reading offer is built around three equally important strands: developing reading fluency, securing deep comprehension and fostering a genuine love of reading.

Our approach begins with the systematic teaching of phonics. We deliver the Read Write Inc. synthetic phonics programme, ensuring children develop the secure word recognition and decoding skills that are essential for successful reading. Through carefully sequenced teaching, regular practice and timely intervention, children learn how the alphabetic code works and how to apply this knowledge confidently when reading and writing. This strong foundation enables pupils to become accurate and increasingly automatic readers.

Drawing on the evidence-informed work of reading expert Christopher Such, we understand that fluent reading is the vital bridge between decoding and comprehension. Once children can recognise words accurately and effortlessly, they are able to dedicate more of their attention to understanding meaning. For this reason, we provide regular opportunities for pupils to practise reading with accuracy, appropriate pace and expression through carefully structured reading experiences and repeated encounters with high-quality texts. 

However, reading is not simply a collection of transferable comprehension skills. Research highlights that successful comprehension relies heavily on vocabulary, language development and background knowledge. The more children know about the world, the more they are able to understand, interpret and enjoy what they read. At our Academy, we carefully select ambitious texts that broaden pupils' knowledge, introduce rich vocabulary and expose them to diverse experiences, cultures and perspectives. Through discussion, questioning and meaningful engagement with texts, pupils develop as thoughtful readers who can make connections, infer meaning and think critically about what they read. 

Alongside fluency and comprehension, we are committed to nurturing a lifelong love of reading. We believe children are more likely to become successful readers when they see reading as enjoyable, purposeful and rewarding. Through engaging class novels, a welcoming library, opportunities for independent reading and enthusiastic reading role models, we create a culture where books are valued and reading is celebrated.

To ensure every child becomes a successful reader, we provide targeted interventions that address identified gaps in phonological awareness, reading fluency and comprehension. These carefully planned interventions enable pupils to receive the precise support they need, helping them to keep pace with their peers and develop the confidence, accuracy and understanding required for reading success. Alongside this, our newly developed Reading Spine guarantees that all pupils experience a rich diet of high-quality, diverse and ambitious texts, carefully chosen to broaden vocabulary, deepen knowledge and foster a lifelong love of reading.

By building strong foundations through Read Write Inc. phonics and balancing the interconnected elements of fluency, comprehension and reading enjoyment, we strive to develop confident, knowledgeable and enthusiastic readers who are equipped to thrive both within the classroom and beyond.