We are Readers
Intent:
At our school, we want every child to become a confident, enthusiastic reader who sees reading as a doorway to adventure, learning, and new ideas. We believe reading should be enjoyable and meaningful, sparking curiosity and imagination from the very start. Our goal is to help children build strong skills in decoding, fluency, and comprehension, while also nurturing a lifelong love of books and stories that reflect a wide range of voices and experiences.
Implementation:
Reading begins in the Early Years with a focus on developing language, listening skills, and phonics through stories, songs, and playful activities. As children progress through school, we follow a carefully structured approach to phonics and reading fluency, combined with rich opportunities to explore a variety of genres, authors, and cultures. We provide daily reading sessions, guided reading, and plenty of time for children to enjoy books independently and with adults. Our library is a welcoming space, and we encourage reading both at school and at home. We celebrate reading through events, book talks, and opportunities to share stories together.
Impact:
By the end of KS2, our children read confidently and with understanding, able to tackle challenging texts and discuss ideas thoughtfully. They choose books that interest and inspire them and enjoy reading both for learning and pleasure. We see children grow as independent readers who can make connections, ask questions, and develop empathy through stories. Above all, they leave us with a sense that reading is a special, lifelong skill and a source of joy.
Accelerated Reader
At Clapham and Patching, we use Accelerated Reader to help children develop a love of reading and make steady progress in their reading skills. After completing a short online quiz to find their reading level, pupils choose books that match their ability and interests. Once they finish a book, they take a fun quiz that checks their understanding and helps them reflect on what they’ve read. Teachers use this information to track progress and provide support where needed, while children enjoy seeing their achievements build up over time. Accelerated Reader encourages independent reading, helps pupils select the right level of challenge, and celebrates success—supporting every child to grow as a confident, motivated reader.
