Reading

Early Reading and Phonics
At our school, learning to read is the most vital skill your child will acquire. We believe that reading is the "window to the world," serving as the foundation for all other learning. Therefore, we dedicate significant energy and resources to ensure that every child learns to read as quickly and effectively as possible. We recognise the importance of early reading and actively promote reading for pleasure, providing numerous opportunities for children to engage with texts. Regular story times are held to cultivate a love of reading, and children take home books that are matched to their phonetic knowledge, encouraging reading at home and fostering parental involvement.
Our phonics instruction is delivered systematically from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to Year 2, using a robust phonics programme. We implement the Read Write Inc. scheme, which begins in Nursery, where children are introduced to initial sounds, begin to orally blend short words. In addition to this our younger readers participate in regular rhythm and rhyme time to build their phonemic knowledge and understanding of word play.  We encourage a love for stories, both read aloud in school and at home, which is why children are sent home with a ‘reading for pleasure’ book. As they transition into Reception, children continue to be inspired to read for enjoyment. When they are ready, they begin taking home simple books home with words that align with the phonics they are learning in Read Write Inc. This provides an additional opportunity for children to continue practising segmenting and blending words to read.
In Reception and Year 1, phonics is taught through discrete daily lessons, with home reading books linked to their phonic knowledge as part of the RWI scheme. Once children complete the RWI programme in Year 2, they transition to using Spelling Shed, which reinforces and embeds their phonics knowledge while shifting the focus towards spelling patterns.
As part of their phonics lessons, children also practise reading and spelling what we refer to as ‘red words’ These are un decodable high-frequency words such as ‘said’, ‘have’, ‘once’, and ‘where’. This comprehensive approach ensures that our students develop strong reading and spelling skills, laying a solid foundation for their future learning.

Accelerated Reader
As children progress through Year 2 and complete the Read Write Inc. (RWI) programme, they transition to Accelerated Reader books, continuing this journey through to Year 6. Each child undergoes precise assessment to determine their reading ability, ensuring they are provided with a reading book that closely aligns with their individual reading level, as indicated by their Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) score.
With the Accelerated Reader programme, students take comprehension tests after reading each book by completing an online quiz. This approach not only encourages independent reading but also allows children to reflect on and demonstrate their understanding of the texts they have read. By fostering a love for reading and providing tailored support, we aim to enhance their overall literacy skills and comprehension abilities.

Whole Class Reading
From Year 2 onwards, children engage in daily reading lessons designed to develop their broader reading skills, following the establishment of their phonetic understanding. These lessons provide opportunities for students to explore texts in greater depth and practise a variety of reading strategies that support their comprehension development.
Students have access to a diverse selection of texts, including non-fiction, fiction, poetry, magazines, and newspapers, which enrich their reading experiences. We prioritise reading across all curriculum areas, recognising its crucial role in enabling students to access and excel in other subject disciplines. By embedding reading throughout the curriculum, we aim to foster a lifelong love of reading and enhance overall learning outcomes.

Reading for pleasure
We are excited to introduce our weekly Book Club, a dedicated time to foster a love for reading through a focus on wellbeing and the social aspects of enjoying literature. During these sessions, pupils have the opportunity to share, read, and discuss texts with their peers, reinforcing the idea that reading is not merely a task to complete but an immersive and enjoyable activity. As well as accessing texts from school, students are encouraged to bring in texts of their choice, including magazines and comics, allowing for a diverse range of reading materials.
Each session begins with teachers promoting a text they believe will resonate with the class, showcasing their own enthusiasm for reading. This involvement not only demonstrates the joy of reading but also allows teachers to engage in meaningful discussions about child-centred texts they enjoy. Book Club encourages students to explore a wide variety of genres through their peers, potentially inspiring them to try something new. By promoting reading as a sociable activity, we aim to create an environment where students feel excited about sharing their reading experiences and discovering new stories together.

Story Time
At our school, we prioritise reading aloud to children every day, fostering a lasting enjoyment of books and inspiring them to become independent readers. Sharing stories is one of the most impactful activities that caregivers and teachers can engage in with children. Books and stories not only stimulate a child's imagination but also broaden their understanding of the world around them.
Daily story time sessions build essential foundational skills, introduce new vocabulary, and provide a model of fluent and expressive reading. To this end, we ensure that every child experiences a dedicated story time with their teacher each day. This practice not only nurtures a love for reading but also enhances comprehension and listening skills, setting the stage for a lifelong appreciation of literature.

Home Reading
The most effective way to support your child's success in reading—and across the curriculum—is to engage with them regularly by hearing them read, sharing, and discussing a variety of reading materials. At St James, we encourage children to read at least three times a week at home, although we strongly urge them to read even more frequently.
Each child is provided with a book-banded reading book that is closely aligned with their reading ability, while also being encouraged to explore a wide range of texts. To further promote reading for pleasure, we facilitate parents in signing their children up for our local library. The school organises visits to the library, where pupils are encouraged to borrow additional books using their library cards. This initiative not only enhances their reading experience but also fosters a love for literature that extends beyond the classroom.