Reading is a top priority. We strongly believe in the message: “If you read, you succeed.” Developing a love of reading and strong reading skills is at the core of everything we do.

Each week, children take home two reading books to share with their families. We encourage children to read at least three times a week, helping to build confidence, fluency, and enjoyment. Reading at home is an important part of a child’s progress, and we celebrate this through our Star Readers reward system. Children who regularly read at home and have their reading records signed and dated are recognised and praised for their commitment.

In school, children take part in whole-class reading lessons, where they develop key reading skills. These include:

• Vocabulary
• Inference
• Prediction
• Retrieval
• Sequencing

Alongside this, children have regular opportunities to listen to and read high-quality texts, helping to broaden their understanding, spark their imagination, and deepen their love of stories.

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Reading Book Bands Progression

Children’s reading books are carefully banded to support steady, structured progress as they develop fluency, comprehension, and confidence. As they move through school, they gradually progress through increasingly challenging colour bands.

 

 

 

A typical progression through the bands is:

• Early Years: Lilac → Pink → Red → Yellow
• Year 1: Blue → Green → Orange → Turquoise 
• Year 2: Purple → Gold → White
• Year 3: Lime → Brown → Grey 

Each band supports specific reading skills, ensuring children are fully secure before moving on. Progress is carefully monitored by staff, and children are encouraged to take pride in moving through the bands at their own pace, building both skill and confidence as readers.