Reading at Penrhyn School & Support for Parents

What Makes Penrhyn a Reading School?

At Penrhyn, we believe that reading is the foundation of learning and a gateway to success. A strong reading culture empowers children with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive—not only in school but in life.

Reading is a national priority in Wales, and at Penrhyn, we are committed to ensuring that every child becomes a confident, fluent reader who enjoys books and understands the world through text. The Curriculum for Wales highlights the importance of reading across all Areas of Learning and Experience, embedding literacy in everything we do. We recognise that reading underpins progress in all subjects, supports well-being, and broadens horizons. 

Our Commitment to
Reading at School

In line with our school ethos of fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning, we ensure that reading is:

  • Taught systematically through high-quality phonics, guided reading, and comprehension strategies.
  • Embedded across the curriculum so that children see the value of reading in real-world contexts.
  • Encouraged for pleasure, helping children develop a love of books and a habit of reading beyond school.
  • Supported at all levels, ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the help they need to succeed.

How We Teach Reading

Foundation Stage (Progression Step 1)
Phonics (mention the specific programme used, e.g., Read Write Inc, Jolly Phonics).
Early exposure to books & oral storytelling.
Developing phonological awareness through songs, rhymes, and play.
Your child will have daily phonics sessions.

Years 2-3 (Progression Step 2)
Building fluency through guided reading and structured group sessions.
Developing comprehension skills (retrieval, inference, prediction).
Introduction to independent reading choices but will be listened to most days.

Years 4-6 (Progression Step 3)
Deepening comprehension through higher-order questioning.
Encouraging reading for pleasure and critical thinking.
Cross-curricular reading embedded in learning.
Children will all read to an adult at least once a week (more if needed).

Working With Our Community

We know that reading success is strongest when the school, families, and community work together. That’s why we:

  • Provide parents with guidance on supporting reading at home.
  • Partner with local libraries, authors, and storytellers to inspire young readers.
  • Celebrate reading through school-wide events, challenges, and rewards.
  • Continuously develop our school library and reading spaces.

Together, we are building a reading culture that not only meets national priorities but creates a lifelong love of learning in our children.

Provision & Support

Daily Reading Practices
Whole-class reading, independent reading, shared reading.
Guided reading sessions (mention frequency & structure).

Intervention & Support
Extra phonics for those who need it.
Individual reading support (e.g., with TAs or volunteers).
Use of dyslexia-friendly books & overlays where needed.

Home-School Reading Partnership
Reading records & expectations for home reading.
Suggested books and how parents can support at home.

Library & Book Access
School library & class book corners.
Book swaps & borrowing schemes.

Celebrating a Love of Literature

    Penrhyn celebrates reading in a huge variety of ways, not least through:

    Whole-School Reading Events
    Book Fairs, World Book Day, Reading Challenges.
    Author visits & storytelling events.

    Class-Based Incentives
    Reading certificates & rewards for reading milestones.
    ‘Reading Champions’ or book review boards.
    Peer-to-peer reading recommendations.

    Creative Reading Activities
    Extreme reading competitions.
    Themed reading weeks (e.g., Poetry Week, Mystery Stories).
    Reading picnics & outdoor storytelling.

    Useful Links

    1. National Literacy Trust – Parents and Families
      Offers milestones, tips, fun resources, and advice to help parents support their children’s literacy development.
    2. GOV.UK – 10 Top Tips to Encourage Children to Read
      Provides practical advice for parents to help primary-aged children read at home.
    3. Penguin Books – How to Help Your Child Learn to Read
      A guide offering strategies and tips for parents to support their child’s reading journey.
    4. Education Scotland – Supporting Children to Develop a Love of Reading
      Insights and strategies to foster a reading culture and support early literacy.
    5. Save the Children – Ready to Read (Wales)
      A report focusing on closing the gap in early language skills in Wales, with insights for parents.
    6. BookTrust – Great Books Guide
      Recommendations for age-appropriate books to inspire and engage young readers.
    7. The Guardian – 10 Page-Turners to Get Kids Reading
      Suggestions for engaging books to encourage reading for pleasure.