Camm’s CE Primary School Statement: English Reading

English Vision

Our vision for English is to nurture confident, fluent communicators who read widely, enjoy literature deeply and comprehend with increasing skill and independence. We believe English is a fundamental life skill: it enables children to listen, speak and read for a wide range of purposes, and to express themselves creatively, imaginatively and articulately.

Through rich experiences with stories, poetry, drama, non‑fiction and media texts, children learn to appreciate language in all its forms. They explore how language works - its patterns, structures and origins. Then apply this knowledge across the curriculum. We ensure that all learners are supported to communicate effectively and that any barriers to reading or writing are swiftly identified and addressed.

Read (Intent)

Read widely and regularly, developing confidence, fluency and curiosity through high‑quality fiction, non‑fiction and poetry.

Enjoy (Implementation)

Enjoy a rich reading culture that inspires imagination, fosters enthusiasm and promotes lifelong reading habits.

Comprehend (Impact)

Comprehend texts with increasing depth, drawing meaning, making connections and applying understanding across the curriculum.

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

In the Early Years, fostering a lifelong love of reading is essential. Reading develops through two key dimensions: language comprehension and word reading. Language comprehension begins from birth and grows when adults talk with children about the world, share stories and non‑fiction texts, and enjoy rhymes, songs and poems together. Word reading develops through decoding—working out unfamiliar words—and the rapid recognition of familiar ones. Together, these skills lay the foundations for confident, successful readers.

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

In KS1, pupils build fundamental reading skills and grow in confidence across a wide range of experiences. Children progress through a structured phonics book scheme (Stages 1–6), moving into the school library scheme as they become more fluent. Year 1 receive daily phonics teaching in groups, predominantly through Supersonic Phonic Friends, preparing them for the Phonics Screening Check. Targeted phonics interventions continue throughout the year and into Year 2 for those who need additional support.

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

In KS2, reading is taught as a whole class to deepen comprehension skills and expose children to high‑quality texts. Teachers, teaching assistants and other adults listen to children read regularly (at least once per week per child). Pupils are encouraged to use class reading corners, borrow books from both school and Eckington Library, and engage in independent reading. Rapid Reading is used weekly for targeted intervention.

Impact

Our aim is for every child to achieve or exceed their potential, taking into account their varied starting points. Through a progressive, skills‑based English curriculum, we monitor children’s progress closely, ensuring they work towards meeting age‑related expectations. We intend that by the time pupils leave Camm’s, they are confident readers, effective communicators and equipped for the next stage of their education—and for life beyond primary school.