At All Saints, we value reading as a fundamental life skill and place it at the heart of our curriculum because we want our children to be passionate about books, develop a love of reading and access the wealth of knowledge that texts provide. We believe that all children should become fluent, confident readers who can comprehend what they read and express themselves clearly when reading aloud. Through exposure to a wide range of literature and authors, pupils are encouraged to discuss, reflect and share their ideas, helping them to broaden their vocabulary, make connections and draw thoughtful conclusions. We are committed to fostering a culture where reading is enjoyed, celebrated and shared, supporting children’s confidence, well-being and future life chances, while working closely with families and the wider community to promote a lifelong love of reading. 

How Reading is Taught at All Saints 

Sequenced Reading Lessons 
Reading is taught through carefully planned, well-sequenced lessons that ensure clear progression in both fluency and comprehension. In EYFS and Key Stage 1, reading is primarily taught through guided group reading, allowing for targeted support, close teacher interaction and opportunities to address misconceptions promptly. In Key Stage 2, this develops into whole-class reading, where pupils engage with increasingly complex texts together, benefiting from high-quality modelling, structured discussion and shared interpretation of meaning. This approach ensures consistency, challenge and depth across the school. 

Early Reading and Phonics 
Early reading is taught through the Read Write Inc. programme, which provides a systematic approach to phonics, decoding and early comprehension. Pupils develop secure foundations in blending, segmenting and recognising sounds, enabling them to read accurately and with increasing confidence and independence. This strong foundation supports a smooth transition from learning to read to reading to learn, ensuring all pupils are equipped with the essential skills needed for future success. 

Fluency and Prosody 
A key focus of our teaching is developing reading fluency and prosody. Pupils are supported to read accurately, at an appropriate pace and with expression, ensuring that intonation and emphasis reflect meaning. Through repeated reading, modelling and performance opportunities, pupils gain confidence and develop a deeper understanding of how voice enhances comprehension. This ensures that reading is purposeful, engaging and rooted in meaning. 

Reading for Meaning and Comprehension 
Understanding is at the heart of all reading. High-quality texts underpin comprehension teaching, enabling pupils to engage deeply with rich language, themes and ideas. Pupils are taught to question, infer, predict and make connections, developing higher-order thinking skills. Structured discussion and opportunities for reflection allow pupils to articulate their understanding clearly and respond thoughtfully to what they read. 

Vocabulary Development 
Vocabulary is taught explicitly within reading lessons. Pupils are introduced to Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary and are given opportunities to explore, discuss and apply new language in context. This supports not only comprehension but also enhances pupils’ spoken and written communication. A strong focus on language ensures that pupils develop the confidence to use ambitious vocabulary accurately and effectively. 

Reading Spine and High-Quality Texts 
A carefully selected reading spine ensures that all pupils experience a diverse range of high-quality texts, including a variety of authors, genres and perspectives. This ensures breadth, cultural richness and progression in reading experiences across the school. Exposure to challenging and engaging literature supports pupils in developing both a love of reading and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

Reading for Pleasure 
We promote a strong culture of reading for pleasure across the school. Pupils are encouraged to explore books independently, share recommendations and develop their own reading preferences. Opportunities such as story time, book discussions and reading-focused events further embed a love of reading, ensuring that it is seen as both enjoyable and valuable. 

Celebration of Reading 
Reading is actively celebrated across the school through a range of events and experiences that promote enthusiasm and engagement. We mark key occasions such as World Book Day, providing opportunities for pupils to immerse themselves in books through themed activities, shared reading and creative responses. Visiting authors further enrich our reading culture, inspiring pupils through real-life experiences of writing and storytelling. These events help to raise the profile of reading and encourage pupils to see themselves as enthusiastic and lifelong readers. 

Library, Wild Library and Year 6 Librarians 
Our school library and outdoor ‘wild library’ provide welcoming, engaging environments that encourage pupils to read widely and develop independence in selecting texts. These spaces are carefully designed to promote curiosity, enjoyment and a sense of ownership over reading. Year 6 librarians play a key role in supporting these areas, helping to organise resources, recommend books and read with younger pupils. They act as positive role models, fostering a whole-school culture where reading is valued, shared and celebrated. 

Reading at Home and Home–School Links 
We recognise the vital role of reading at home in developing fluent, confident readers. We actively promote strong partnerships with parents and carers, providing guidance and support to enable regular, meaningful reading outside of school. This consistent collaboration helps to reinforce skills taught in school while nurturing a shared enjoyment of reading. 

Wider Community Links 
We value the contribution of the wider community in supporting reading development. By engaging with community readers and celebrating reading through shared events and activities, we extend our reading culture beyond the classroom. These opportunities help pupils to see reading as a lifelong skill, valued both within school and in the wider world.