At Latton Green Primary School, reading sits firmly at the heart of our teaching philosophy. We believe in creating a vibrant literate culture that nurtures a love for books in our students from an early age. In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and KS1, our pupils benefit from daily phonics lessons, where they learn the sounds that letters make and how to segment and blend words. This early literacy instruction is crucial, laying the groundwork for independent reading as they progress through the school. The excitement continues as children in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) engage in whole-class reading sessions each day, focusing on a thoughtfully selected high-quality text. This structured approach directly supports the development of essential reading comprehension skills, linked to our effective VIPERS strategy (vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval, summarisation). Such strategies ensure that our students are equipped with the skills necessary to fully understand and appreciate the texts they encounter.

Each child in our school has a reading sticker chart to track their reading at home, encouraging them to collect stamps each time they share a book with family. Once their chart is filled, they can choose a reading prize, turning their reading journey into an exciting adventure. Additionally, all classes have the opportunity to visit the local library, where children can select a book to take home using a straightforward checkout system, further fostering a connection with reading in the wider community.

Our school library is a hive of activity, managed by our enthusiastic child librarians, who play a key role in promoting reading across the school. These young librarians are trained to assist their peers in selecting age-appropriate and enriching texts, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. Open during lunchtimes, this area is perfect for pupils who wish to spend quiet moments lost in a book, surrounded by their fellow readers. Every day, all classes dedicate 30 minutes to a 'shared story' time, where high-quality texts recommended by Pie Corbett are read aloud by an adult. This daily ritual not only captivates our students’ imaginations but also fosters a genuine enthusiasm for reading.

Our delightful EYFS environment includes a cosy reading shed where children can immerse themselves in books outdoors, as well as vibrant and inviting book corner designed to encourage a love for reading for pleasure. To add a dash of mystery and excitement, every Friday, a mystery reader surprises our EYFS class, sparking enthusiasm and anticipation about who it will be!

At Latton Green Primary School, we are committed to cultivating a thriving reading culture that resonates with our students. We understand that a love for reading will not only enrich their educational experience but also enhance their lives beyond the classroom. By engaging in diverse reading experiences, from shared story times to independent exploration in our library, our pupils are inspired to discover the joy and power of books, setting them on a path of lifelong learning and creativity.