Our Milstead Reading Curriculum

At Milstead and Frinsted C of E school, we firmly believe that reading is fundamental to a child’s educational journey and overall personal development. Our curriculum intent for reading is meticulously designed to ensure that every pupil is equipped with the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm to engage with a wide array of texts. We foster a reading culture that is not only enriching but also inclusive, allowing every child to flourish in their reading journey.

Reading is taught through the Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) programme, Little Wandle. This comprehensive approach allows young learners to build a solid foundation in phonics, equipping them with the necessary tools to decode words effectively. Through systematic instruction, pupils progress in their reading journey, gaining essential skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Following the initial phonics instruction, pupils gain ‘reading mileage’ by exploring a multitude of opportunities designed to develop their fluency. This is facilitated through the Little Wandle Stretch and Challenge books, which provide appropriately challenging material aimed at enhancing comprehension and fluency. Once pupils display solid fluency skills, they transition to the Little Wandle Fluency books, preparing them for the subsequent independent reading phase characterised by our Accelerated Reader (AR) programme.

Reading is placed at the heart of our curriculum, with an array of enriching experiences designed to develop a love for literature. Pupils are encouraged to share their own writing with peers, fostering a sense of ownership over their language skills and enhancing their understanding of narrative structure and style. The joy of storytelling is underscored by opportunities to hear and read stories aloud, creating a communal environment that cultivates enthusiasm for reading.

Our reading curriculum is intentionally diverse, encompassing a range of text types including poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and media. This comprehensive approach not only broadens pupils' literary exposure but also feeds into the overall reading journey, enabling them to appreciate the nuances of different genres and thematic elements. Furthermore, we place a strong emphasis on exploring texts by a wide variety of authors, including those from other cultures. This exploration fosters cultural awareness and appreciation, promoting empathy and understanding among our pupils.

Our vision is deeply rooted in the principle of ‘feeding of the 5000’, ensuring that every pupil receives what they need, when they need it. This vision extends to our reading intent, allowing for personalized learning experiences that cater to the individual needs and interests of each child. By doing so, we create an environment where pupils are not only empowered by their reading experiences but also leave Milstead and Frinsted with a profound sense of agency.

As we guide them on their reading journeys, we strive to instil a thirst for reading for pleasure. We recognise that the ultimate goal is not just literacy, but the cultivation of lifelong readers who find joy and enrichment in literature throughout their lives. By the time our pupils leave Milstead and Frinsted, they will carry a robust foundation in reading, combined with an enduring passion for exploration through the written word. Our commitment to providing high-quality reading education is unwavering, and we aspire to see every pupil thrive in their literacy journey.

Impact 

The implementation of our robust reading curriculum significantly influences pupil flourishing and academic success. By fostering an environment where pupils develop automaticity in their reading skills, we empower them to engage deeply with texts, thus instilling a genuine thirst for knowledge. This proficiency enables learners to navigate complex narratives and diverse genres with ease, contributing to their confidence and enthusiasm for reading.

As pupils become increasingly adept readers, they often find themselves immersed in literature, discovering new worlds and ideas that spark curiosity and creativity. This engagement not only enhances their comprehension skills but also nurtures a lasting passion for reading, promoting lifelong learning habits. Therefore, our high-quality reading curriculum plays a crucial role in cultivating not only academic achievement but also the holistic development of pupils, ensuring they flourish both within and beyond the classroom. In this way, the impact of our well-structured reading curriculum extends far beyond mere literacy skills, shaping inquisitive and passionate individuals.