‘The school emphasises the importance of all pupils being able to read well. This starts in the Nursery, where children learn letter sounds. Staff teach phonics consistently and well throughout the school.’ Ofsted, September 2023 Wickford Church of England School 

At HEARTS, we aim for pupils to speak, read and write with confidence, fluency, understanding and enjoyment.

We prioritise reading because we understand that it is the key to all learning. Pupils are encouraged able to clearly articulate their thoughts in speaking and writing and to be confident, creative and reflective users of language. We develop their vocabulary, knowledge and understanding when reading and their use of spoken and written English across a broad and balanced curriculum, providing opportunities to consolidate and reinforce skills, develop as people and apply the HEARTS values to their own lives.

In English lessons, we choose high quality core texts as a focus for reading and writing. These texts represent a diverse range of authors and text types and are often linked to knowledge and vocabulary from other curriculum subjects. They give opportunities for children to explore our HEARTS values, widen their experience and expand their vocabulary. For more information, please see the termly rationale for texts.

For more information about our pedagogy and implementation of English please see our English Policy.

‘Reading is prioritised. Staff deliver the phonics programme consistently well, enabling pupils to develop fluency and confidence quickly.’ Ofsted, November 2023. Stambridge Primary School