Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
Norman suddenly grows a pair of wings. At first he loves them, but fear of standing out makes him hide them under a coat which only makes him miserable. As Norman overcomes his fear, he learns that being different is wonderful.
Ruth’s Updates
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The Clare School, Norwich
“A small number of pupils learn to read by using phonics. Pupils who follow the schools’ early reading programme learn this extremely well. This is because adults are expert in teaching phonics. They check with care that pupils have a grasp of a particular sound before moving on. Those with visual or hearing impairments learn phonics if they can. This is because staff are adept at making the necessary adaptation to the phonics programme to meet the individual needs of these pupils. Pupils develop a love of books, as they hear a range of stories, rhymes and songs.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding
Beckfoot Allerton Primary School and Nursery, Bradford
“The school’s ambitious and rigorous approach to the teaching of reading ensures that pupils become successful, fluent readers. Staff quickly identify pupils who struggle or slip behind. They receive expert, focused support to keep up. Older pupils become enthusiastic readers through exposure to, and discussion about, exciting books and texts.”
School Inspection: Good in two areas, Outstanding in three areas
Previous Inspection: Requires improvement
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Westclyst Community Primary School, Exeter
“Reading is at the heart of the school’s curriculum. The trust has identified the essential books it wants pupils to read. Children learn to love to read books from the time they start school. In the early years, the high expectations of staff mean that children build the skills to listen intently to the stories adults read to them. The phonics programme is implemented to a high standard. Staff are adept at checking children’s understanding. They provide swift and effective support for any pupils who need extra support. As a result, pupils are fluent readers.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Not previously inspected
Langland Community School, Milton Keynes
“Teachers are highly skilled and knowledgeable. They provide effective activities, which help pupils to build knowledge over time. This is most evident in the teaching of phonics, where staff expertly teach pupils how to read. In all areas of the curriculum, including phonics, staff regularly check how well pupils are learning. They put in place effective extra activities to help those who are falling behind. As a result, pupils are confident readers and have secure knowledge of the wider curriculum.”
School Inspection: Good in four areas, Outstanding in Personal Development
Previous Inspection: Not previously inspected
Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman and Christian Robinson
Sometimes the world can feel broken and we feel alone. If you find a friend, maybe you can fix things together? Maybe you fix something small that changes something big? ’Something that makes you feel hopeful, happy and loved’. With friends, community and hope we can make the world a better place.
Mama and Mummy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour and Kaylani Juanita
When mummy goes away on a work trip, a little girl misses her very much. She and mama keep busy and make a banner to welcome mummy home but the missing is hard. But when she comes home, the little girl feels tearful. They all cuddle together and ‘it feels just right’.
Until You Find the Sun by Maryam Hassan and Anna Wilson
Aminah loves the golden sunshine and mangoes of home. One day, she has to move to a colder, darker new country. She misses home and her grandpa. One snowy day, dressed in a new sunshine yellow coat, she makes a friend and life begins to feel brighter.