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

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.