At St Peter Catholic School we believe that reading is a skill which is taught through planned, systematic phonics lessons which lead to the enjoyment of all kinds of books, the appreciation of different genres and the ability to access information independently. Through their own reading, we hope that children will develop their individual tastes in literature and be able to understand and justify their own choice of books.

Our Primary aims are:

• To develop phonetic skills which lead to blending and reading fluently.
• To promote confidence and positive attitudes to reading.
• To promote and encourage good home/school links using a wide range of literature.
• To equip children with critical tools so they are able to analyse what they read.
• To give children access to a wide range of fiction and information books.
• To monitor each child’s progress through the use of a range of assessment strategies e.g Reading Age tests, on-going reading observations and AREs (Age Related Expectations).
• To support those who are progressing slowly in acquiring reading skills through a personalised reading program.

When teaching reading and phonics, St Peter Chanel School follows the Little Wandle scheme in Reception and Years 1 and for any children who have not met the expected standard in Year 2 to 6. Our approach is systematic, consistent and rigorous in order that all children become readers as quickly as possible.

Children learn new sounds and practise the pronunciation and blending of these sounds on a daily basisin phonics lessons. Simple actions and pictures help the children grasp the letter sounds quickly. One children can have learnt sounds, we match the books they readto their phonological knowledge, getting children to read books at least three times in school before sending them home to practice. helps them to read with fluency and expression.

Additionally children hear lots of other stories in school, with a class story time at least daily, increasing their knowledge and vocabulary.

At St Peter Chanel Catholic School, all our early reading books are phase banded. Children are given a book to take home that they will have read in school a number of times; the expectation is that parents read this with the children each night as repetition supports their learning. Each phase band includes books recommended by Little Wandle, using the Collins Big Cats scheme. The children also have a range of other books to choose from that they take home as a 'home reader' which we expect them to share with a family memeber. They may not be able to read this book by themself.