Reading at Chipping Warden Primary Academy

At Chipping Warden, we believe reading is the key to unlocking learning across the curriculum and developing responsible, knowledgeable citizens. Our aim is simple: children learn to read, then read to learn.

Our Reading Vision

By the time children leave us, they will be ambitious, aware and adept readers who:

• Access high-quality, diverse texts – engaging with stimulating core texts that contain thought-provoking themes and promote cultural capital
• Read fluently with understanding – decoding accurately and comprehending what they read
• Articulate their ideas confidently – expressing thoughts and opinions about texts with clarity
• Apply reading to their writing – selecting and using effective vocabulary, features and techniques from their reading to deepen the quality of their own writing

How We Develop Ambitious, Aware, Adept Readers

We teach specific knowledge and skills across five key areas:

1. Word Reading and Fluency

• Systematic phonics teaching through Read Write Inc (Reception and Year 1)
• Regular practice to build reading speed and accuracy
• Expression and intonation when reading aloud
• Automatic recognition of common exception words

2. Vocabulary Development

• Explicit teaching of ambitious vocabulary from texts
• Understanding words in context
• Exploring word meanings, roots and families
• Building subject-specific vocabulary across the curriculum

3. Comprehension

• Retrieval of information from texts
• Making inferences about characters, events and themes
• Predicting what might happen next
• Summarising main ideas
• Understanding author's intent and language choices

4. Critical Reading

• Evaluating texts and authors' use of language
• Comparing texts and making connections
• Identifying themes and messages
• Discussing and debating different perspectives

5. Reading for Writing

• Analysing how authors create effects
• Identifying effective vocabulary and techniques
• Understanding text structure and organisation
• Applying learning from reading to improve own writing

Teaching Reading: A Two-Pronged Approach

Learning to Decode (Reception and Year 1)

We use Read Write Inc systematic synthetic phonics to teach children to decode accurately and fluently. Children receive:

• Daily phonics lessons matched to their needs
• Fully decodable books they can read independently
• Same-day interventions for children who need extra support
• Regular assessment and regrouping to ensure progress

Developing Comprehension and Fluency (All Years)

Alongside phonics, all children experience:

Shared reading – high-quality, diverse core texts read aloud and discussed together, developing:

• Vocabulary and language comprehension
• Understanding of story structure, themes and cultural contexts
• Critical thinking and inference skills
• Exposure to ambitious language and complex ideas

Guided reading – small group sessions focused on:

• Building fluency through repeated reading
• Developing comprehension strategies
• Discussing texts in depth
• Applying reading skills across the curriculum

Independent reading – daily opportunities to:

• Read books matched to their reading level
• Choose books for pleasure from our diverse libraries
• Develop reading stamina and confidence
• Explore different genres and authors

Inclusion and Support

Every child can become a successful reader. We ensure this through:

• Targeted interventions – one-to-one fluency sessions and small group support for children who need it
• Accessible texts – a wide range of books at different levels, including high-interest, lower-reading-age books
• Multi-sensory approaches – using visual, auditory and practical strategies to support all learners
• Adaptive support – coloured overlays, larger fonts, audio books and reading software where needed
• Celebrating progress – recognising every step forward, building confidence and motivation

No child is left behind – we provide the support needed for every child to succeed.

Fostering a Love of Reading

We cultivate reading for pleasure through:

• Diverse, engaging libraries – books celebrating different cultures, experiences and perspectives
• Daily story time – teachers reading aloud from high-quality, thought-provoking texts
• Reading role models – staff and visitors sharing their love of reading
• Book celebrations – World Book Day, author visits and book-themed events
• Reading corners – inviting classroom spaces that inspire children to choose books
• Book recommendations – children sharing reviews and suggestions with peers
• Library partnerships – working with the library service to enhance our collections with subject-related books

Reading Across the Curriculum

Reading skills are taught and applied in every subject:

• Subject-specific vocabulary is explicitly taught
• Non-fiction texts develop knowledge in history, geography and science
• Children read to research, compare information and deepen understanding
• Reading comprehension supports learning across all areas
• Vocabulary and techniques from reading inform writing across the curriculum

Assessment

We monitor reading progress carefully to ensure every child succeeds:

Early reading (Reception and Year 1):

• Regular Read Write Inc assessments
• Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

Developing readers (Year 2 onwards):

• Reading age assessments to track progress
• Formative assessment through discussion and questioning in lessons
• Summative assessments to measure comprehension
• End of Key Stage 2 national assessments

Assessment informs teaching, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.

Reading at Home

Please support your child by:

• Reading their school book with them regularly (little and often is best)
• Sharing stories together – read aloud to your child, even as they get older
• Discussing books – ask questions, talk about characters, themes and the author's choices
• Visiting the library together
• Modelling reading – let your child see you reading for pleasure

Reading at home makes a significant difference to your child's progress and enjoyment of reading.

 For further information on homework and reading at home, please see homework page (insert link here)