Phonics and Reading
At Lemington Riverside Primary School, we believe that reading is the key that unlocks the whole curriculum and opens the door to lifelong learning. From the very beginning of a child’s journey with us, we work hard to nurture confident, fluent readers who enjoy books, stories and language. We aim to develop not only strong reading skills, but also a genuine love of reading that children will carry with them throughout their lives.
Reading sits at the heart of our curriculum and is woven throughout every area of school life. Children are immersed in high-quality texts, daily storytimes and rich discussions which help them build vocabulary, comprehension and confidence. Across the school, we encourage pupils to read widely and often, both for pleasure and for information, helping them to develop curiosity about the world around them.
To teach early reading, we use the Read Write Inc. Phonics programme, a structured and highly successful approach which helps children learn to read quickly and confidently. Through daily phonics sessions, children learn how sounds link to letters, how to blend sounds together to read words and how to develop fluency and expression in their reading. The programme also supports spelling, vocabulary, handwriting and writing development.
In Nursery and Reception, children begin by developing strong speaking and listening skills, phonological awareness and a love of stories and rhymes. As they progress through school, regular assessment and carefully matched teaching ensure that every child receives the support and challenge they need to succeed. Additional tutoring and intervention are provided quickly for any pupils who need extra support, helping us to ensure that children ‘keep up, not catch up’.
Storytime is an important part of every day at Lemington Riverside. Through carefully chosen stories, poems and books, children develop imagination, language and empathy, while building a rich bank of stories and vocabulary that supports both reading and writing. We also value the important role parents and carers play in supporting reading at home and work closely with families to help children develop confidence and enjoyment in reading beyond the classroom.
Our aim is for every child to leave Lemington Riverside as a fluent, enthusiastic and thoughtful reader, equipped with the skills and confidence they need for the next stage of their education and for life beyond school.
