Reading
Learning to Read. Reading to Learn. Developing a Lifelong Love of Books.
At Grange Park School, reading is at the heart of our curriculum. We believe that every child should become a confident, fluent reader who not only has the skills to access learning across the curriculum but also discovers the enjoyment and opportunities that reading brings.
Our approach combines systematic phonics teaching, the development of fluency and comprehension and a strong culture of reading for pleasure.
From the earliest stages of learning to read through to exploring challenging literature in Key Stage 2, we are committed to ensuring that every child develops the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm to become a successful reader.
Early Reading and Phonics
We recognise that secure foundations in phonics are essential for early reading success.
Our phonics teaching follows the Read Write Inc. programme, providing children with a structured approach to learning letter-sound relationships, blending sounds and developing accurate word-reading skills.
Children are regularly assessed to ensure teaching matches their developing knowledge and understanding. Where pupils require additional support, targeted teaching helps them practise and secure the skills they need.
Our commitment to high-quality phonics teaching is reflected in our 2026 results, with 97% of Year 1 pupils meeting the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check, compared with 82% nationally.
We are determined that every child develops the foundations needed to become a fluent, independent reader.
Developing Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension
Learning to decode words is an important first step, but successful reading goes much further.
As children progress, our teaching increasingly focuses on developing reading fluency, understanding increasingly complex texts and acquiring the vocabulary needed to communicate confidently.
Pupils are encouraged to discuss what they read, retrieve information, make inferences, explore authors' choices and explain their understanding using evidence from texts.
Through exposure to high-quality literature and carefully selected reading materials across the curriculum, children develop the knowledge and language needed to become thoughtful, capable readers.
Reading for Pleasure
We believe that reading should be something children want to do, not simply something they are expected to do.
Creating a culture in which books are valued, shared and enjoyed is an important part of life at Grange Park School.
Our reading environments are designed to capture children's imaginations and encourage them to explore different authors, genres and interests.
Our Hogwarts-inspired library provides an engaging environment with a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and audiobooks.
Alongside the library, our distinctive themed reading areas include:
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The Secret Garden – A space where children can immerse themselves in classic literature.
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The Rainforest Hut – An environment celebrating books about animals, nature and the natural world.
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All Aboard – Our reading boat, where children can enjoy stories, fairy tales and a variety of exciting books.
Our classrooms also provide welcoming reading spaces, ensuring that books are a visible and valued part of everyday school life.
We want every child to discover books that inspire their curiosity, broaden their understanding and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Supporting Every Reader
Children develop their reading skills at different rates, and we recognise the importance of identifying and addressing difficulties early.
Through regular assessment and close monitoring, teachers identify pupils who require additional support with phonics, fluency or comprehension.
Targeted teaching, individual support and small-group interventions help pupils develop confidence and strengthen their reading skills.
We are equally committed to challenging confident readers through increasingly demanding texts, rich discussion and opportunities to deepen their understanding.
Our ambition is for every pupil to become a capable, enthusiastic and independent reader.
Reading at Home
Parents and carers play an invaluable role in helping children develop their reading skills and enjoyment of books.
We encourage families to make reading a regular part of daily life. Even a short period spent reading together, sharing a story or discussing a book can make a meaningful difference.
How you can support your child:
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Read regularly – Establish a daily reading routine in a comfortable, distraction-free environment.
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Talk about books – Ask what your child thinks about the characters, events and ideas in a story.
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Encourage independence – Allow your child to choose books that interest them and develop their confidence.
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Explore different genres – Introduce fiction, non-fiction, poetry, comics and other reading materials.
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Make reading enjoyable – Share stories, use expression and celebrate your child's developing enthusiasm for books.
For younger readers, practising with books matched to their phonics knowledge is particularly important. As children become more fluent, independent reading and opportunities to discuss increasingly challenging texts help extend their understanding.
Above all, we want reading to be a positive experience shared between school and home.
Our Reading Ambition
We want every child who leaves Grange Park School to do so as a confident, fluent and enthusiastic reader.
Reading opens doors to learning, imagination and opportunity. By combining strong foundations in reading with a genuine appreciation of literature, we aim to give every pupil skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond.
Questions to Help your Child with Reading
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Encouraging your Child to Read a Variety of Genres
