Ruth’s Updates
This newsletter includes: Teaching reading consistently across a trust, Remember to upload and analyse your data, Top tips on the countdown to the check, Coming soon to our Phonics Virtual Classroom!, Fresh Start Module practice activities and Classroom in-action films.
Hollymount School, Worcester, Worcestershire
“Staff are very well trained to teach the phonics scheme. Pupils read books that match the sounds they are learning. Staff spot children who are falling behind and make sure that they catch up quickly. As a result of this expert teaching, pupils become confident and fluent
readers.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
Hello! A Counting Book of Kindness by Hollis Kurman
Families running away from war, floods or scary places need a safe place to live. This counting book beautifully illustrates hope, action and the importance of kind gestures. From beds ‘to keep us safe and warm’ to ‘sharing new stories and words’.
The Can Caravan by Richard O’Neill and Cindy Kang
Mrs Tolen has a broken hip and worries she will have to move from her caravan into a house. Her young friends decide to help. With hard work and a visit to the recycling plant, her home is safe for her. A story celebrating the traditional Traveller values of community and recycling.
Forever Star by Gareth Peter and Judi Abbot
Tim and Tim, the space heroes, would like to be dads and decide to adopt a child who needs a new start. They travel through space and find… Little Jim. ‘I think that’s our boy! Our very own starlight, our very own joy.’ Their very own forever family.
You’re So Amazing! By James & Lucy Catchpole and Karen George
Amazing Joe! Poor Joe! Joe would rather just be… Joe. Is he amazing because he can queue for an ice-cream or go down a slide? ‘People need to relax’ says his friend Simone. An important book: disabled children have their own normal stories.
The Smile by Marie Voigt
A book that explores the gift a smile can be. ‘And if you put a smile on just one face…before long there will be too many to count’. Fabulous illustrations that beautifully show everyday situations where smiling makes a difference.
Newdale Primary School & Nursery, Telford, Shropshire
“Leaders focus on reading as a gateway to learning. They have made sure that Newdale is a community where staff and pupils share a love of reading. Leaders regularly update staff to ensure that staff are experts in the teaching of reading.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding
Long Marston VA Church of England Primary School, Tring, Hertfordshire
“Leaders prioritise the teaching of reading. In early years, children begin to learn phonics and are introduced to high-quality books as soon as they start school. […] Pupils develop a love of reading. Leaders ensure staff are well trained so they are knowledgeable in teaching early reading. This helps all pupils to learn to read quickly. Adults routinely check the sounds that pupils know and put support in place to help pupils who struggle to learn to read.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
Totnes St John’s Church of England Primary School, Totnes, Devon
“Children quickly recognise new letters and the sounds that they make. Staff make regular checks on what pupils know. Therefore, pupils get help quickly, if needed. This supports pupils to read widely and with fluency.
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: