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

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Buckinghamshire

“Children get off to a flying start with reading as soon as they join the school. The school makes regular checks on pupils’ reading. This helps staff to provide timely support. The books pupils read are carefully matched to the sounds they have learned.”
Previous Inspection: Good

Naseby Church of England Primary Academy, Northampton

There is a vibrant reading culture at the school. Pupils often choose to read in their own time. Children begin learning to read the moment they start in the early years. Staff teach the school’s phonics programme well. Pupils learn to read accurately and fluently from a young age. The school checks closely on pupils’ progress in reading. It provides appropriate support for any pupil who falls behind. Through skilful questioning, staff guide pupils to think deeply about what they read. Older pupils make insightful comparisons between different texts. There is a keen focus on vocabulary development across the school. Staff take time to explore the meaning of new words with pupils. Pupils use this language to explain their thinking precisely.
School Inspection: Good in all areas but outstanding in behaviour and attitudes
Previous Inspection: Good

Timbertree Academy, West Midlands

“Pupils enjoy reading. It is a high priority in school. Staff are determined that every pupil will become a fluent reader. There is a rigorous approach to the teaching of reading, including phonics. This has a positive impact on pupils learning to read. Pupils that need more help receive daily support. The school nurtures a love of reading through selected texts that reflect diverse cultures and experiences. The school facilitates older pupils reading with the younger ones. Pupils benefit from structured whole-class reading sessions.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

Bottesford Infant School, Lincolnshire

“The school celebrates and promotes a love of reading brilliantly. Pupils speak about their favourite books and authors with real enthusiasm. As a result of the school’s highly effective phonics programme, pupils learn the sounds that letters make quickly and become fluent readers.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Hillingdon Manor School, Middlesex

“Reading is a high priority across the school. Pupils’ reading knowledge is checked on entry to the school and personalised support is put in place. This includes a tailored phonics programme and effective electronic and visual communication strategies. This is taught well. […] Staff select texts skilfully to broaden pupils’ ideas, vocabulary and understanding of diversity. Those who are at the earliest stages of learning to read get the help they need to catch up quickly.”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Good

The Canons C of E Primary School, Warwickshire

“Reading is at the heart of the school’s curriculum. Children in Reception start
learning phonics on day one. No time is wasted. Staff are astute and responsive. They make relevant adjustments and provide additional support to ensure that no child falls behind. This rapid response leads to almost every pupil reaching the
expected standard for their age by the end of Year 1. Pupils read books matched to
the sounds they learn. This helps them to become fluent readers.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Moorfield Primary School, Shropshire

“Reading has a high profile. Expert staff ensure that children in the Reception class and pupils in key stage 1 learn to read very well. They do so with confidence, fluency and a secure understanding of what they have read. Pupils practise reading books that are matched well to the sounds they know. The school ensures that pupils who are at risk of falling behind are supported to catch up quickly.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Outstanding

Orrell Lamberhead Green Academy, Lancashire

“The school has successfully prioritised a love of reading. Pupils of all ages speak excitedly about their favourite stories and the regular visits from a local author. From the early years onwards, staff enthusiastically share stories and rhymes with children to develop their language skills. Staff are remarkably skilled at delivering phonics lessons. If pupils need additional support, they are given prompt help to enable them to catch up quickly. The majority of pupils become confident and fluent readers by the end of Year 2.”
School Inspection: Outstanding in all areas
Previous Inspection: Not previously inspected

Bude Primary Academy – Juniors

“Reading is prioritised highly. High-quality texts underpin the curriculum. The school has established a robust reading programme. Pupils learn to read rapidly as a result. Staff use timely checks to identify pupils who do not have secure phonic knowledge. They then provide targeted, effective support to ensure pupils catch up. As a result, pupils learn to love reading, including those who find it tricky.”
School Inspection: Good in all areas
Previous Inspection: Requires improvement