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, reading instruction builds on foundational skills with a structured and responsive approach. Differentiated reading groups should be established early in the autumn term to meet the diverse needs of learners. The two-session model—using the same text and adult across both sessions within the same week—supports deeper engagement and comprehension.

Children begin to adopt the reading workshop approach, fostering independence and a love for reading.

In Year 2, children continue to develop their reading fluency, comprehension, and confidence through structured guided reading sessions. Initially, children work in small, differentiated groups, allowing targeted support based on their reading level and needs.

As children become more proficient, they begin transitioning to larger group or whole-class reading sessions, when they are ready. This shift encourages collaborative discussion, deeper text analysis, and shared reading experiences. Teachers should monitor progress closely to ensure children are supported appropriately during this transition.

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.

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