Reading

Reading Leader: Miss Lucy Palmer

Miss Lucy Palmer has been a valued member of the team at Northstead Community Primary School for many years and is our Reading Leader. She brings a genuine passion for literacy and works hard to promote a love of reading across the school. Through her support for pupils and staff alike, Miss Palmer plays an important role in helping to develop reading skills and encouraging a positive reading culture. Her commitment to ensuring that every child has access to enjoyable and enriching reading experiences is clear in all aspects of her work.

Reading at Northstead: A Guide for Parents (For a detailed version please click on the link titled “Reading at Northstead. (Further information) on the right hand side. 

At Northstead, we believe reading opens doors to learning, imagination, and the wider world. Our goal is for every child to become a confident, fluent and enthusiastic reader—supported by both school and home.

How We Teach Reading

Early Reading & Phonics

• We use the Read Write Inc (RWInc) programme to teach phonics from the start of EYFS.

• Children learn to read sounds, blend words, and build fluency.

• Lessons are daily and follow a clear structure with guided practice.

• Phonics continues into Key Stage 2 if needed for extra support.

Whole Class Reading

• Once fluent, children take part in daily whole-class reading lessons using rich texts.

• They build comprehension, vocabulary, empathy, and discussion skills.

• We use Literary Leaves from The Literacy Tree to guide these lessons.

Reading at Home

• Children bring home books matched to their reading level.

• We ask families to read at least three times per week.

• Parents receive support through question prompts, reading tips, and information sessions.

Reading for Pleasure

• We aim for every class to have a daily story time.

• Children visit our school library and hear teachers read aloud.

• We celebrate reading through events like World Book Day.

• Our Reading Spine ensures children experience a wide variety of high-quality literature.

Assessment & Support

• Children’s reading is assessed regularly to help us plan next steps.

• Extra support is given through 1:1 tutoring if needed.

• We ensure no child is left behind on their reading journey.

Reading is at the heart of everything we do at Northstead—and together with your support, we aim to nurture lifelong readers.