At our school, reading is at the heart of the curriculum. We follow the CUSP Reading curriculum, which is designed to develop confident, fluent and thoughtful readers through a rich, carefully structured approach.

The CUSP Reading curriculum is built on three core pillars: explicit vocabulary instruction, prosodic reading (the teaching of fluency), and ‘thinking hard’. These elements ensure that pupils not only read accurately, but also understand, interpret and engage deeply with what they read. 

We place a strong emphasis on high-quality literature. Our curriculum is built around a carefully selected core literature spine, which is closely aligned with the wider curriculum. This allows pupils to explore a diverse range of texts while making meaningful connections across subjects.

Each week, pupils read whole texts alongside carefully chosen supplementary texts. These help deepen understanding and expose children to a wide range of genres and text types. Lessons are structured to develop different reading skills, with carefully designed questions that encourage pupils to think deeply and articulate their ideas.

Reading fluency is taught explicitly in every lesson. Through prosodic reading strategies, pupils learn how to read with expression, accuracy and understanding, enabling all learners to access ambitious texts. 

In Key Stage 2, we further support reading development through Accelerated Reader. This programme helps pupils to practise reading independently, choose books that are well-matched to their reading level and develop comprehension through regular quizzes. Teachers carefully monitor progress and guide pupils to ensure they are both challenged and motivated, while fostering a genuine love of reading.

Our aim is for all children to become confident, reflective and enthusiastic readers who can think critically, make connections and enjoy reading for pleasure throughout their lives.

Reading: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you teach children to read?
In the early stages, children learn to read through daily phonics teaching. As they become more confident, they move into whole-class reading through the CUSP Reading curriculum, where they develop fluency, vocabulary and comprehension skills.

What is CUSP Reading?
CUSP Reading is a structured, knowledge-rich approach to reading. It focuses on high-quality literature, explicitly teaching vocabulary, developing fluency and encouraging children to think deeply about what they read.

How often do children read in school?
Children read every day. This includes phonics (in early years and Key Stage 1), whole-class reading lessons and independent reading opportunities.

What is Accelerated Reader?
Accelerated Reader is a programme used in Key Stage 2 to support independent reading. Children choose books at an appropriate level and complete quizzes to check their understanding. This helps teachers monitor progress and ensure children are reading both regularly and with good comprehension.

How can I support my child with reading at home?

• Read with your child regularly and talk about the story
• Encourage them to read a range of books, including fiction and non-fiction
• Ask questions about what they have read to develop their understanding
• Continue sharing books together, even as they become more independent readers

How do you choose the books children read?
Books are carefully selected as part of the CUSP curriculum, phonics curriculum and, in KS2, through Accelerated Reader. This ensures children are reading texts that are appropriately challenging while also broadening their experience of different authors and genres.