We believe that reading is an essential skill and we aim to develop and encourage a love of books and reading so that, by the time they leave St Peter’s, children are able to read fluently and with confidence.

Reading

Guided reading takes place throughout the school. The children read once a week with their teacher as part of a small group, and discuss the text as appropriate.

Reading forms an important part of our homework routines. We ask that children read at home daily. In Reception and Key Stage 1 we ask parents to record reading at home in the reading record. In Key Stage 2 children are expected to record their reading for themselves in the reading record. This supports our on-going partnership between home and school.

Each classroom has a reading corner, with a range of books for the children to read in school or borrow to read at home, and all the children have access to the school library, which contains a wide range of fiction and non-fiction.

Phonics

Phonics is taught throughout the school using the phonics teaching programme  'Bug Club', which ensures systematic coverage and progression.

Children start to learn phonics when they join our school in Reception. Phonics is taught in small groups focusing on children's recognition of the letter sounds and how to read and write these.

In Reception and Key Stage 1 children are taught in smaller groups, led either by the class teacher or by a trained teaching assistant. The children are assessed regularly to ensure that  they are in the appropriate group for supporting and extending their individual needs. Year 1 children take part in statutory Phonics Screening during Term 6, and parents are informed of their child's achievement at the end of the school year.

 A range of e-books can be accessed online at: Oxford Owl