Strong early literacy skills give children the essential foundation for future educational success, improve self-esteem and maximise life chances.

Reading broadens imagination and inspires ambition, and so should our curriculum. It enriches the choices and opportunities available to all children, developing a desire to learn and an eagerness to find out new and wonderful things together (or on their own).

Our staff believe that there is so much to be learnt from a good book and this learning goes far deeper than just English skills. Carefully selected books drive the curriculum and shape the learning of children at New Milton infant School.

Reading is a focal point for us. Our aim is that each child develops a love for reading that will remain with children for life, enhance their imaginations and broaden their horizons. We recognise that reading for enjoyment is one of the key indicators of academic success for those of all backgrounds and that it helps support good emotional health and well-being.  Because we believe teaching every child to read is so important, we have a Reading Leader (Rachel Pilley, Deputy Head) who drives the Early Reading programme in our school. She is responsible for monitoring and supporting the staff so that everyone teaches with rigour and fidelity to the Little Wandle phonics programme (please see our separate phonics page) and also ensuring that the wider reading curriculum is covered. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure that all pupils learn to read widely, fluently and with good understanding, in order that they can move from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn’.

What does a Little Wandle reading session look like here?

The sequence of our reading books shows a cumulative progression in phonics knowledge that is matched closely to our school’s phonics programme, Little Wandle.

Children read three times every week with an adult once they have learnt the initial sounds and can segment and blend these confidently.

The three sessions:

Session 1: Decoding

In this session, the focus is purely on phonic strategies to ‘break the code’ in order to read the word. We look at GPCs also, specific words or tricky words that need additional practice.

Session 2: Prosody

We challenge the children to use an expressive voice. We discuss how our voices change depending on what we want our listener to understand from our reading.

Session 3: Comprehension

Our talk around the text supports the children’s understanding. We ask simple questions about the main ideas. In this session, we use the pictures to support our reading experience.

The wider Reading Curriculum

Our beliefs and commitment to reading remain unwavering and our whole school approach is consistent and robust. The content of our reading curriculum continues to evolve and we recognise that it will perpetually change and be reshaped and remolded so that it reflects our ever-changing world and local community. We are always seeking ways to improve our reading curriculum offer to the children of New Milton. Whether the change is fuelled by our passion for books (for example, if we come across a new, recently published, page-turner that we feel our children simply must read) or if it is prompted by significant events and the changing landscape, we remain adaptable and reflective.

In addition to core, high quality texts driving the curriculum, each Key Stage has a set of spine books which have been carefully chosen to build language and develop the imagination:

‘"magine a primary school where over 7 or 8 years, children are read to, enjoy, discuss and work with around 82 core books. These ‘essential reads’ would be a store of classics, creating a living library inside a child’s mind. This is the ‘Reading Spine’. " Pie Corbett

These spine books form the basis of our daily class vote for story time which is built into our end of day routine and reflection time. This is another opportunity to also promote book discussion in class.

Assembly Books

We use different books in assembly to help demonstrate our five core aspirations and also to promote the love of reading. Each book is carefully selected: it must represent a school value or be relevant to current affairs in the world, but it must also be engaging to entice the children’s curiosity.

Ensuring reading for pleasure

We value reading for pleasure highly and work hard as a school to grow our Reading for Pleasure pedagogy.

Every classroom has an inviting and cosy book corner that encourages a love for reading. Our school library bus is used by classes at least once per week. Children across the school have regular opportunities to engage with a wide range of Reading for Pleasure events (Reading Champions, Books before School, book fairs, local Library visits author visits, workshops and national events).

How to Help at Home

Supporting your child with reading at home is so beneficial to ensuring they progress in reading. Research shows that reading and developing a love of reading is directly linked to a child’s success at school.

We expect all of our children to read to an adult at home at least 3 times per week. Although your child will be taught to read at school, you can have a vital impact on their reading journey by continuing their practise at home. All children have a reading diary which is a record both families and adults in school can use.

Each week, your child will bring home a reading practise book.

This book has been carefully matched to your child’s current reading level and phonic ability. If your child is reading it with little help, please do not worry that it is too easy – your child needs to develop fluency and confidence in reading. Listen to them read the book. Remember to give them lots of praise – celebrate their success! If they cannot read a word, read it to them. After they have finished, talk about the book together.

Bedtime stories are also hugely important in your child’s reading journey. Not only do they create a special time for both you and your child but they fuel nurture, imagination and curiosity whilst relaxing and calming setting the stage for a peaceful night’s sleep. 

Please see below for recommended books for children of all ages. Use the links to find something new and exciting to read with your child:

Themed booklists for children | BookTrust

Booklists By Age on BooksForTopics | Recommended children's booklists sorted by age or topic...