The ability to read is fundamental to progress in all curriculum areas. Children are continually encouraged to read for pleasure as well as for information.  All children have a reading record book and a folder which should be taken home every day.  Practice at reading aloud as well as silently is vital at all stages of development.  We ask all parents to support their children by reading with them regularly (preferably every day) and talking about their reading activities.  A booklet outlining ways in which children can be helped to develop their reading skills and love of books is available.  All reading should be encouraged and recorded in the Reading Record.  We aim to provide a wide range of reading materials in school.  Considerable time has been spent upgrading the stock of books available to all children – a process which is ongoing.

Language skills are developed in both subject specific literacy hours and cross-curricular lessons.  Children will experience a wide range of activities to develop their abilities in:

i) Speaking and Listening;  ii)  Reading;  iii)  Writing fluently and accurately for a range of purposes in a flowing and legible style.  We teach an hour of literacy each day, following the principles set out in the National Literacy Strategy, part of which involves working closely with parents to raise standards.  We also have a programme of Additional Literacy Support for children in Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5.