Anglesey Primary Academy, Staffordshire
“The school prioritises reading. Staff have the expertise that they need to deliver the
school’s chosen phonics programme well. Pupils recognise the letter sounds they need to know to blend sounds in words. The school identifies pupils who need additional support to improve their fluency. These pupils receive interventions to enable them to catch up.”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good
Ivybridge Community College, Devon
“Reading underpins the entire curriculum. From Year 7, pupils who struggle with reading are supported very well through targeted and personalised provision. Engaging and informative texts enhance pupils’ learning across the curriculum. […] This ensures that pupils, including those with SEND, are empowered to learn with confidence and success. The school has implemented a highly effective reading for enjoyment programme for all year groups. Pupils are enthused about reading. Sixth-form students are enabled to
discuss their reading with insight and maturity.”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good
Stoke Goldington Church of England School, Buckinghamshire
“Reading is prioritised. Staff have the knowledge and skills to deliver the phonics programme rigorously. This ensures that pupils acquire reading skills quickly. The books that pupils read are matched precisely to the sounds that they have learned. Staff check regularly that pupils are on track with their reading.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding
Boney Hay Primary Academy, Staffordshire
“A love of reading is promoted across the school. Attractive libraries, with displays showing which books the teachers are currently reading, encourage pupils to pick up a book. Their reading journey begins in the Reception class, where children benefit from the carefully structured phonics scheme. This is taught consistently well and children achieve well. Those who need help to keep up are supported effectively in additional, targeted, sessions.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
John Shelton Community Primary School, Coventry
“Reading is a high priority […] Staff identify those pupils who need more practice. These pupils are given timely support to help them keep up. Pupils read books that match their stage of reading. This helps them practise using their phonics knowledge to become confident, fluent readers. Pupils’ enthusiasm for reading continues as they move through the school.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
Ruth’s Updates

In our first newsletter of 2025, read our recommendations, find out about training events and see what’s new on the School Portal.
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
Ruth’s Updates

Check out our free festive Fred Game, new Word Time animated films, Online Assessment support and more.
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