We believe that reading is the key to unlocking the entire curriculum and opening the door to a lifetime of learning. We are passionate about developing confident, fluent readers who not only have the skills to read successfully but who also develop a genuine love of books, stories and language.

Phonics

We teach early reading through the Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised programme, providing children with a consistent, systematic and engaging approach to learning phonics.

In Reception and Key Stage 1, children take part in daily phonics lessons that are carefully matched to their stage of learning. We assess pupils regularly to ensure that every child is making strong progress and to identify anyone who may need additional support. Where appropriate, we provide Little Wandle catch-up sessions and other targeted interventions, ensuring that children receive help as soon as it is needed.

To strengthen the partnership between home and school, every time children learn a new set of sounds, they take home the corresponding sound cards so that families can practise together. We also send home a weekly 'Wednesday Word'—a new tricky word for children to learn and apply in their reading and writing.

Reading at Home

Reading at home is one of the most valuable ways parents can support their child's education. We ask every child to read at home at least five times each week, helping them to develop fluency, confidence and a love of reading.

Children who read six times or more become one of our Star Readers, celebrating the commitment they have shown to developing this lifelong skill.

Our teachers carefully monitor children's home reading every day. This enables us to celebrate success, identify children who may need additional encouragement or support and work closely with families to ensure that every child develops positive reading habits.

Reading in School

Reading takes place throughout every school day. Children read individually, in guided groups, as part of whole-class reading lessons and across the wider curriculum.

Every classroom has a carefully chosen class text, allowing children to enjoy high-quality literature together. We place enormous value on adults reading aloud to children. Listening to rich, engaging stories helps pupils develop vocabulary, comprehension, imagination and a lifelong enjoyment of books. These shared reading experiences also expose children to texts that they may not yet be able to read independently, broadening their knowledge of authors, genres and the wider world.

Our classrooms and library are filled with high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry, ensuring that children regularly encounter a rich and diverse range of books throughout their time at Moulton.

Reading Support

We are incredibly fortunate to be supported by members of our local community who volunteer their time to read with our pupils. We also work alongside experienced former teachers who provide additional phonics and reading support, helping children build confidence and accelerate their progress. These partnerships enrich our reading provision and ensure that many children benefit from additional one-to-one reading opportunities.

Book Bands

Children begin by reading fully decodable books that are carefully matched to the phonics they have been taught, enabling them to experience success and develop confidence as early readers.

As pupils become increasingly fluent, they progress through our carefully organised book bands. Teachers use ongoing assessment to ensure that books are always well-matched to each child's reading ability, providing the right level of challenge while continuing to develop fluency, comprehension and enjoyment.

Developing Lifelong Readers

Our aim is for every child to leave Moulton CEVC as a fluent, confident and enthusiastic reader. We want our pupils to read for pleasure, for information and for inspiration, equipped with the vocabulary, comprehension and critical thinking skills that will enable them to flourish throughout their education and beyond.

If you have any questions about reading or phonics, please contact Mrs Gilmore, our English Leader, or Mrs Bedford, our phonics leader, who will be delighted to help.