Reading is fundamental at Water Primary School. It is the foundation for all subjects and to ensure children make progress across the whole curriculum. 

EYFS/ Key Stage 1

Small group/guided reading in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a carefully planned and supportive experience that helps children begin their journey as confident readers.

In the autumn term, we gradually build up small reading groups as children settle into school and develop early phonics and listening skills. This gentle start allows us to tailor sessions to each child’s needs and readiness.

Guided reading sessions in EYFS include:

• Small group work with an adult, focusing on early decoding and comprehension
• Use of decodable books matched to children’s phonics knowledge
• Discussion of stories and pictures to build vocabulary and understanding
• Opportunities to talk about books and share ideas with peers

As the year progresses, children become more confident in applying their phonics skills and begin to read with increasing fluency and independence. Our aim is to nurture a love of reading from the very beginning.

In Year 1, guided reading builds on children’s early phonics and comprehension skills through a structured and supportive approach. From the autumn term, children are grouped according to their phonics knowledge, ensuring that each child receives targeted instruction matched to their stage of learning. 

Guided reading in Year 2 remains focused on developing comprehension strategies, vocabulary, and the ability to discuss texts with increasing independence. Phonics support continues for those who need it, especially for children still consolidating their decoding skills. As their reading skills develop, they will gradually move into larger group or whole-class reading sessions when they are ready.

Key Stage 2

Children in Key Stage 2 follow a Whole Class Reading approach. Teachers plan sessions around a text: texts have been chosen to encourage discussion, comprehension, further fluency and to also develop vocabulary and language. 

Teachers ensure they plan reading sessions to develop 6 key reading skills focussing on:

V = VOCABULALRLY

I = INFERENCE 

P = PREDICTION

E = EXPLANATION

R = RETRIEVAL

S = SUMMARISE

Here are the books used during Whole Class Reading sessions:

Year 2

KS2