Reading

Reading is explicitly taught through whole class quality texts that inspire and engage the children. We aim to create a reading culture where children become confident capable readers. We approach the teaching of reading through whole class reading sessions across the week. We use Read Write Inc as our phonics programme to teach Nursery and Reception. More reading is embedded within the main English session daily. Reading is a fundamental part of everything we do at St Barnabas. Children are exposed to high quality texts across the curriculum and reading skills are taught explicitly in all year groups. Alongside the skills of decoding and comprehension, book talk encourages children to think as a reader and discuss their preferences, likes and dislikes. Reading for pleasure is a cornerstone of our approach, with a well-stocked and well organised school library which children access both within the timetable and in their own time. The high profile of reading in school is further enhanced by reading competitions throughout the year.

Parents are actively encouraged to take part in this vital process by regularly listening to their child read at home, reading stories to them and showing their child reading is fun through letting their children see them reading themselves.  A reading record is sent between home and school so both teachers and parents can communicate and record progress.