Dovedale Community Primary School, Liverpool

“Reading is a strength. Pupils enjoy books and talk about them with enthusiasm. Typically, pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, are well prepared for future learning. In reading [and] writing, pupils build strong foundations on which to build further learning, as a result of consistently effective teaching. This is typically reflected in the school’s above-average published outcomes in reading and writing at the end of Year 6 and in the Year 1 phonics screening check.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in five areas and Expected standard in two
Previous Inspection: Good

Saint John Fisher Catholic Voluntary Academy, Leicestershire

“Reading is prioritised. Pupils who need more time to secure their phonics receive targeted support. Staff deliver the phonics programme with consistency and confidence. Across subjects, pupils are supported to access more complex texts and ideas. Pupils are encouraged to develop their understanding of the world through exploring and reading a range of texts and genres in the school’s new library.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in four areas and Expected standard in three areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Sidney Stringer Primary Academy, West Midlands

“Children quickly begin to learn phonics. They practise these skills regularly. This means that the majority of children learn the sounds they need to read words. Staff make sure that any gaps in children’s phonics knowledge are swiftly addressed, for example by working with these children individually at the start of the school day. […] There is a sharp focus on developing pupils’ vocabulary, communication skills [and] phonics awareness.”
School Inspection: Strong standard in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Goldsmith Primary Academy, West Midlands

“Phonics is taught systematically, with accurate modelling and swift correction of misconceptions. Handwriting and spelling are embedded alongside phonics, and pupils build their language and vocabulary knowledge very well through structured routines and high-quality interactions. Teachers make sure that pupils with additional needs can learn very successfully alongside their peers, making effective adaptations when needed. They carefully check on pupils’ understanding so that anyone falling behind gets the support they need to catch up quickly.”
School Inspection: Exceptional in three areas and Strong standard in four areas.
Previous Inspection: Good

Penn Wood Primary and Nursery School, Berkshire

“Reading is prioritised. Books that help pupils learn to read are matched closely to the sounds that pupils have learned. […] The school’s thoughtful reading curriculum helps pupils to develop a love of books and
literature. Pupils learn to read confidently and fluently.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Grove Lea Primary School, West Yorkshire

“Phonics is a strength of the school. Leaders have established a rigorous approach that is implemented with precision. Staff are well trained and demonstrate strong subject knowledge. They deliver lessons with clarity, ensuring pupils quickly develop secure phonics skills. The school frequently checks pupils’ learning. Staff use this information to address misconceptions promptly. The high expectations and relentless focus on early reading ensure that pupils successfully become confident and fluent readers.”

School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Humberston Park School, North East Lincolnshire

“Many pupils are at the very early stages of learning to read. Staff read to pupils regularly. Pupils develop a love of reading. They particularly enjoy the daily story time sessions. The school has a well-equipped library. Pupils relish opportunities to explore reading through structured sensory play. When ready, pupils learn to read using phonics. Staff teach this with precision. They adapt the phonics programme to support pupils who are nonverbal with reading when necessary.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

The Lady Byron School, Leicestershire

“Pupils who are at an early stage of learning to read are supported well. The school has a systematic approach to. teaching phonics. Regular reading sessions help pupils to develop their comprehension and vocabulary. The school does much to promote a love of reading. Older pupils are proud to be ‘reading buddies’ for younger pupils.”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Jacobstow Community Academy, Cornwall

“Reading for pleasure is a top priority for the school. Inviting libraries, class readers and interesting books across the curriculum help pupils to enjoy reading. As soon as children start in the Reception Year, they successfully learn the sounds that letters make. Pupils who find this difficult receive timely and effective support. As a result, pupils read with confidence, fluency and accuracy. This helps them to read widely across the curriculum. Children in the nursery and Reception class delight in reading with staff in their reading. Older pupils also enjoy reading with children in the Nursery and Reception Year, as well as with their peers. ”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Not previously inspected.

Rickmansworth Park Junior Mixed and Infant School, Hertfordshire

“Reading is a real strength across the school. Pupils are highly enthusiastic readers and enjoy regular author visits, book fairs and reading buddy sessions. The school has partnered with a local bookshop to ensure classrooms are stocked with high-quality books. In Reception and Year 1, pupils receive carefully targeted phonics teaching. Pupils who need extra help, including those new to speaking English, receive personalised support to help them catch up quickly.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good