Reading

At St. Andrew’s Primary Academy, we believe that a strong foundation in reading is key to a child’s educational journey, opening doors to imagination, understanding, and lifelong learning. Our reading curriculum is designed to nurture confident, fluent readers who are excited to explore the world of books.

Early Reading and Phonics:

In the early years, we place a strong emphasis on phonics through a well-structured program,ensuring that children learn to decode words and develop their reading skills systematically. The teaching program we use is Little Wandle. This is an accredited Systematic Synthetic Phonic teaching approach approved by the Department of Education. Using engaging, multi-sensory approaches, our phonics lessons help children master the building blocks of reading, while fostering a love for stories and language from the start. 


Developing Fluency:
As children progress through the school, we focus on developing their reading fluency, helping them to read accurately, quickly, and with expression. Regular practice, close reading sessions, and tailored support allow each child to grow at their own pace, building their confidence and enjoyment as they encounter increasingly complex texts.

Vocabulary Expansion:
We enrich children’s vocabulary by introducing them to a wide variety of texts across different genres and subjects. From fiction and poetry to non-fiction and informational books, we carefully select texts that introduce new words in context, helping our children not only to expand their language but also to understand how words work in different settings.

Reading Spine:

Throughout the school a reading spine has been created to ensure that teachers and children are being exposed to an extensive list of books that are age, vocabulary and content appropriate, that can be used as recommended books for children to read in book corners, class reads and whole class reading lessons. The intention is that by the time the children reach Year 6 and beyond, they have developed a wide, rich vocabulary and a broader knowledge of the world, and as a result are able to access the range of more complex books expected of them in Secondary school. It should be noted, that in addition to these reading spines,  we recognise a good balance of topic, and non-fiction books are available in the library or classrooms for children to borrow and enjoy. In the book ‘Reading Reconsidered’ Doug Lemov points out there are five types of texts that children should have access to in order to navigate reading with confidence. 

These type of books are included in the spine.


Cultural and Diverse Book Selections:
At St. Andrew’s, we are committed to ensuring that our children are exposed to books that reflect both their own experiences and those of others. Our reading curriculum includes a diverse range of authors, voices, and cultures, allowing children to explore stories that broaden their understanding of the world and foster empathy for people from all walks of life.



Reading for Pleasure and Reading Champions:
We are passionate about creating a culture of reading for pleasure, where every child is encouraged to find joy in books. Our Reading Champions – both staff and pupils – lead initiatives across the school to inspire a love of reading, whether through book clubs, storytelling events, or reading challenges. These champions help to create an environment where books are celebrated, and children feel excited to dive into their next literary adventure.

At St. Andrew’s, we are proud to cultivate confident, curious, and engaged readers who are ready to embrace the lifelong gift of reading.