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.
Confetti by Dean Atta and Alea Marley
Ari loves the colours of confetti. She sees the colours at Pride, at her mummy’s baby shower and at her own birthday party. She throws confetti too when her uncle and his husband get married. There are so many different days and ways to celebrate love, joy and family.
Peace on Earth by Smriti Halls and David Litchfield
When words hurt and sting, peace can be hard to find. But with brave hearts and kind hands, we can change angry words. “Peace will lever look away, it lights a candle, here to stay’. There is always a way out of darkness to the light. Peace mends hearts and spreads love.
St Nicolas & St Mary C of E Primary School, Shoreham-by-sea
“The strong reading culture is the bedrock of the school. Pupils become extremely confident and skilled readers. Staff across the school are confident in teaching phonics. Their strong subject knowledge ensures that lessons are sharply focused on learning how to read accurately. A love of reading permeates through the whole school. This starts with the youngest children in early years, who enjoy their story times and comfortable reading areas. Across the school, books and text extracts are chosen with care, which means that pupils experience a broad range of genres.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
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Montgomery Primary Academy, Birmingham
“Right from the start, phonics lessons follow a well-structured programme […] Its approach to reading ensures a strong focus on pupils understanding what has been read and developing a rich vocabulary. This helps them to enjoy a wide range of texts. These books come to life when pupils take part in meeting authors and making visits to the theatre. Pupils learn to read well, fluently and with enjoyment. The school truly fosters a love of reading.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Good