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
Sherington Church of England School, Buckinghamshire
“Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. It is promoted throughout the school, enabling pupils to read widely and often. There is a consistent and effective approach to the teaching of phonics. Children read books which match the sounds they are learning. Pupils who need extra help with phonics are identified quickly and receive timely and appropriate support that enables them to keep up. Pupils enjoy having stories read to them regularly, for example the whole school story session at the beginning of each day. Staff support pupils well in developing their oracy skills and enhancing their language and communication abilities.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
Brackenhill Primary School, Bradford
“The phonics programme is led well. Staff have all received training to ensure they teach phonics consistently. They provide extra help for pupils who fall behind so that they can catch up with their peers. Pupils who speak English as an additional language are also provided with intensive support. There are attractive reading areas in classrooms and the school encourages pupils to read often.”
School Inspection: Good
Previous Inspection: Good
Holmer CofE Academy, Hereford
“The school’s phonics curriculum is well organised and effectively taught. Children begin learning to read and write as soon as they start in Reception, and almost all pupils are fluent readers by the end of Year 1. Teachers quickly identify children who begin to struggle and work determinedly to help them keep up.”
School Inspection: Outstanding
Previous Inspection: Outstanding
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld
In this fairytale, the king and queen have two children; a little wooden robot and a log princess. However, every night the princess turns back into a log. One night, she is taken and her brother sets out on an adventure to find her. Will the robot and princess make it safely home to the king and queen?
I Love You Because I Love You by Muro’n Thi Van and Jessica Love
There are small and big reasons why we love the people we love. Because they care, carry or play with us. Because they cook with care. Because people let us speak or let us make mistakes. Because they know when we’re sad or afraid. In the end, we love them because… we love them.
Dance Just Like So by Annemarie Anang and Natelle Quek
Gran loves to dance the Shooby-Dee Mambo and decides to teach it to the community. She twirls and shimmies and everyone bops, taps, wiggles and shakes along. Gran hurts her knee, ouch. Kwesi has a great idea to keep the joyful dance classes going. Find out how Gran joins in!
One Day at a Time by Rachel Ip and Natelle Quek
When their parents make the painful decision to live in separate houses, Poppy and Robin have mixed-up feelings. Their school and friends stay the same.. But sometimes… it feels like something is missing. It takes time but they know there will always be hugs, laughter and love. Plenty of love.
My Name is a Gift by Zeshan Akhter and Asa Gilland
When Sitara is born, her name is the first present she gets from her mum and dad. It’s from Pakistan and means ’shine like a star’. People tumble up her name and say it wrongly. She wishes they would ask her how to say it. When people say her name carefully it lights up her heart.
Sunnyside Spencer Academy, Nottingham
“Reading is a high priority for the school. Pupils who are in the early stages of learning to read receive expert teaching through the school’s systematic approach to phonics. Pupils read from books that match the sounds they know. Those who need extra help, including pupils with SEND, are supported to catch up quickly. High-quality books and online resources are readily available to encourage a widespread love of reading.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good