Our approach to reading and phonics.

At the heart of our approach to reading in Reception is a love of books. From the very beginning, we want children to see reading as fun, fascinating, and full of discovery. Our aim is to help every child become an enthusiastic, independent reader who truly enjoys reading for pleasure.

Reading is promoted across all classes, with small group reading sessions taking place in Reception and Key Stage One and whole class reading lessons in Key Stage Two.

In Reception and Key Stage One, phonics and early reading skills are taught through the Little Wandle programme. This engaging, structured approach builds children’s confidence and develops their comprehension skills. By the time pupils reach Key Stage Two, they are able to read fluently, discuss what they have read, and respond thoughtfully to questions.

Children are encouraged to use their phonic knowledge and recognition of sight words to decode, read, and understand texts.

As part of our home reading system, children in Reception and Key Stage One take home a Little Wandle book each week that matches the text they have been reading in class. This book is changed when the group moves on to a new book. In addition, children may choose an extra book each week to take home to share with their families and friends.

Once the children are confident readers, we use a range of popular texts to excite and engage our children to become lifelong readers. 

We encourage children to read at home and communication between home and school is recorded in their reading diaries.

Reading Ambassadors

At Old Leake Primary Academy, two KS2 and one KS1 Reading Ambassadors from each class are chosen. Reading Ambassadors are chosen for their love of reading, their effort and resilience when it comes to reading and their willingness to share their passion and enthusiasm with others to promote reading throughout the school.

Reading ambassadors will be presented with a special badge. They will also meet three times a year to discuss ‘Reading’ in school.

Here are just a few roles of a Reading Ambassador:

· Part of the job of the reading ambassador is to encourage others in their class to read

· Share book reviews and recommendations with their class

· Complete library audits to find out what books, genres, dictionaries and thesauruses are needed to support reading and learning

· Help with Reading Events across the school.

· Help create displays to promote reading within school.

· The older Reading Ambassadors will read to other classes, mainly Key Stage 1, to help show what great reading role models they can look up to.

· Present the reading certificates and awards in Awards’ assembly