We firmly believe that pupils need to be able to read fluently in order to fully access and understand other subjects in the curriculum. We place a strong emphasis on early reading in the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. All our schools implement a programme of systematic synthetic phonics to teach early reading in the context of a rich language curriculum. Reading for pleasure pedagogies are employed to promote a school-wide reading culture and a love of reading for all pupils.
We want all pupils to read independently and every day, in school. Reading is an essential skill that unlocks doors to learning, builds vocabulary, domain, social and cultural knowledge and empathy; reading is key to social mobility.