At Kingsley, we want every child to become a confident reader and develop a lifelong love of books. Reading opens the door to learning across the curriculum, helping children discover new ideas, build their vocabulary and understand the world around them. From our two-year-old Nursery to Year 6, we provide carefully planned teaching, engaging books and regular opportunities to read and enjoy stories together.

Early Reading in Nursery and Reception

Our reading journey begins in Nursery, where children enjoy stories, songs and rhymes every day. Adults share books, talk about pictures and characters, and encourage children to join in with familiar words and phrases. These experiences develop listening, language and an enthusiasm for stories.

In Reception, daily Drawing Club inputs bring stories to life and encourage children to explore vocabulary, characters and imaginative ideas through talk and drawing. Welcoming book corners and indoor and outdoor learning opportunities give children time to browse books, retell stories and explore reading through play.

Learning to Read with Monster Phonics

We use Monster Phonics in Reception and Key Stage 1 to teach children how sounds are represented by letters. Through daily lessons, children learn to recognise these relationships and blend sounds together to read words. The programme uses colour and character cues to support learning and help children remember what they have been taught.

Children practise with decodable books closely matched to their phonic knowledge. This allows them to use familiar sounds successfully and build confidence. Rereading helps children become more accurate and fluent. Staff check progress regularly and provide additional teaching when children need more practice. Older pupils who have not yet secured their phonics also receive targeted support.

Group Reading in Year 1

Year 1 children take part in a four-session group reading sequence using a shared book. The first sessions focus on decoding, accuracy and fluency. Adults introduce the book, explain unfamiliar vocabulary and model how to sound out and blend words. Children then practise through partner reading and reading together as a group.

As the sequence develops, children explore the meaning of the text. They discuss events, sequence and summarise stories, find information and explain their ideas. Adults model reading with expression and show how punctuation helps readers make sense of a sentence. Repeated reading gives children time to become familiar with the book and deepen their understanding.

Guided and Individual reading in Key Stage 1

Guided reading develops children’s ability to read accurately and understand what they read. Teachers plan sessions around pupils’ needs, supporting them to discuss vocabulary, explain events and answer questions about a text.

An adult also hears every child in Key Stage 1 read individually at least once a week. Children who need additional support are heard more frequently. These opportunities help staff identify next steps and ensure that reading books remain appropriately matched to each child.

Whole Class Reading in Key Stage 2

In Years 3 to 6, we use Literacy Count’s Steps to Read to support our 30-minute whole-class reading sessions. Children explore high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry, broadening their knowledge and introducing them to different authors, viewpoints and styles of writing.

Teachers read aloud and model how skilled readers think about a text. Children practise reading fluently, explore vocabulary, retrieve information, summarise key ideas and make inferences using evidence. Discussion helps them explain their understanding, consider other interpretations and develop thoughtful responses.

KS2 children also have access to Reading Plus, an online programme that provides additional practice in reading fluency, comprehension and vocabulary. Teachers review pupils’ responses to identify where further support is needed.

Helping Every Child Succeed

We recognise that children develop as readers at different rates. Staff use classroom observations, individual reading and assessments to identify strengths and provide timely support. Children who are reading significantly below expectations receive daily additional phonics and reading support.

We value the languages spoken by our families. Our two specialist EAL teachers assess children’s English language proficiency using EAL Stars and provide individual or small-group support according to need. Working alongside class teachers, they help children develop the vocabulary and language understanding needed to participate confidently in reading and wider learning.

Reading for Pleasure

Enjoying books is at the heart of our approach. Adults read aloud regularly, share recommendations and help children find books that interest them. Classroom reading areas and the school library offer a varied selection, including books that reflect our community and introduce children to different lives and experiences.

Children can suggest books they would like to read, and teachers have an allocated budget to respond to their requests. Our outdoor reading pavilion also provides a welcoming place to enjoy a book during playtime and lunchtime.

Reading at Home

Families play an important part in helping children enjoy reading. Children in EYFS and KS1 take home a book appropriate to their reading stage and a book to share with an adult. For children learning phonics, their independent practice book is matched to the sounds they have been taught. Shared books allow families to enjoy richer stories and vocabulary together.

In KS2, children who still need phonics practice continue to receive suitable decodable books. Confident readers are encouraged to choose books from our class and school libraries. KS1 children also have access to teacher-assigned books through Bug Club, while KS2 pupils can use Reading Plus.

We encourage families to read together regularly, talk about books and celebrate children’s progress. Sharing stories in home languages is also a valuable way to develop language and a love of reading. Where children have limited opportunities to read at home, we provide additional opportunities with adults in school.