At Ivingswood Academy, we are committed to ensuring that all children develop the ability to communicate fluently and effectively. “Read Write Inc” is a programme of learning designed to support early readers with phonic development and initial reading skills such as blending and comprehension.

Using “Read Write Inc”, children in Nursery, Reception, Year One and Year Two are taught to recognise the sounds within words, and then blend the sounds together to decode text when reading.

High quality texts form the central focus of reading lessons and link to topic work whenever possible.  We use the VIPERS approach to support teachers to teach reading lessons. Children learn using the key elements of: Vocabulary, Inference, Prediction, Explain, Retrieval, Sequence and Summarise.

The overarching aim for English at Ivingswood is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping pupils with a strong command of the spoken and written word, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment.

The children are encouraged to read for enjoyment and understanding, as well as for information with the aim that all pupils will develop an appreciation and love of reading. We encourage children to read widely in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Reading focusses on two areas; decoding (word reading) and comprehension. Decoding skills are seen with both the segmenting and blending of unfamiliar words and the speedy recognition of familiar words. Good comprehension draws from linguistic knowledge (vocabulary and grammar) and on knowledge of the world. Reading also feeds pupils’ imagination and opens a treasure-house of wonder and joy for curious young minds.

We promote reading through visiting our school library once a week to enjoy some time to build their love of reading. We also go on class trips to the local Chesham Library each year to encourage pupils to use the community library to support their love of reading.