Reading at Longlands Primary School

Reading

At Longlands Primary School, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking the entire curriculum and opening doors to future success. We are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a fluent, confident and enthusiastic reader who develops a lifelong love of books.

Our reading curriculum is built around the principles of the DfE’s Reading Framework. It develops accurate word reading, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension and reading for pleasure. We carefully nurture children from their first experiences of phonics through to becoming thoughtful, independent readers who can access increasingly complex texts across the curriculum.

Reading Intent

At Longlands, we want every child to:

Learn to read accurately, fluently and confidently.
Develop a love of reading and literature.
Build ambitious vocabulary and knowledge.
Read widely across a range of genres and authors.
Understand, discuss and evaluate what they read.
Use reading as a tool for learning across all subjects.
Leave primary school fully prepared for secondary education and beyond.

Reading Implementation

Reading is prioritised every day throughout the school.

Early Reading

Children begin their reading journey through Read Write Inc. Phonics, a structured and systematic phonics programme that teaches children to decode words accurately and become fluent readers. Pupils are assessed regularly and taught in groups matched to their stage of development, ensuring that every child receives the support and challenge they need. Children who require additional support receive timely intervention through our keep up, not catch up approach.

Reading Fluency

We know that fluent readers become successful readers. Across school, pupils have regular opportunities to hear expert reading, read aloud, reread texts and develop expression, pace and confidence. Fluency is explicitly taught through shared reading, partner reading and modelled reading.

Vocabulary and Oracy

Vocabulary is taught explicitly across the curriculum. Children explore ambitious vocabulary, discuss language choices and engage in rich classroom talk to deepen understanding and comprehension. We believe that strong speaking and listening skills are essential foundations for reading success.

Reading Across the Curriculum

Reading plays a vital role in every subject. Carefully chosen texts help pupils build background knowledge, understand new concepts and access ambitious learning in History, Geography, Science and beyond.

Reading for Pleasure

Children are immersed in high-quality texts and enjoy daily story time throughout the school. We work hard to foster a culture where reading is valued, celebrated and enjoyed by all. We believe every child has the right to hear and experience great stories every day.