We are a reading school, and proud of it!
Thanks to Read Write Inc., taught with fidelity and enthusiasm, our children leave EYFS and Key Stage 1 as fluent, confident readers (see Early Reading and Phonics). They are ready to take on ambitious books with real excitement.

For the last five consecutive years, our Key Stage 2 reading results have been well above the national average, reaching 93% in 2023 against 73% nationally. Here is how we enjoy and achieve with reading.

Rich, challenging texts
Every half term, our English learning is built around an inspiring, ambitious text. Teachers model expert reading, teach rich vocabulary and make sure children practise their skills every lesson.

Our ERIC skills
Across Key Stages 1 and 2, children master four key skills:

• Explain: the meaning of words in context
• Retrieve: information from the text
• Interpret: what the text means
• Consider: the author’s choices

Reading across the curriculum
Every week, children have two hour-long reading lessons, and they apply their skills right across the curriculum, building an impressive, ambitious vocabulary as they go.

A love of books
Every classroom has an inviting reading area, where adults share their favourite stories and children discover new ones. Our children get lost in great books, every single day!

Removing barriers
We remove barriers so that every child becomes a reader. Any child who needs extra help gets swift, targeted support to keep up, not catch up. Whatever their starting point or background, every child at Flushdyke gets access to brilliant books and the skills to enjoy them.

Reading at home
Children read at home at least three times a week, and we make sure every child also has plenty of time to read in school. No child misses out.