Reading in Nursery and Reception at Avonmouth C of E Primary School
At Avonmouth C of E Primary School, we believe that fostering a love of reading begins in the very earliest years. In Nursery and Reception, reading is woven into the fabric of our day - from sharing stories together as a class, singing our favourite rhymes, to chatting about books on our comfy sofas. These moments help build not only language and literacy skills but also a genuine joy for reading.
In Reception, each child takes home two books every week: an Unlocking Letters and Sounds book, carefully matched to their phonetic ability, and a picture book of their own choosing. This approach ensures that children build confidence in their reading skills while also developing a lifelong love for books through stories that spark their imagination.
From Term 3, Reception children begin daily guided reading sessions in small groups with an adult, using the Unlocking Letters and Sounds programme. These sessions allow for focused, personalised teaching and give every child the chance to develop their decoding, fluency, and comprehension skills in a supportive environment. The small group setting means each child receives targeted support, helping them to make rapid and meaningful progress.
We know that reading doesn't just happen at school - it flourishes when supported at home. That’s why we encourage parents and carers to read with their children daily, listen to them read aloud, and talk together about the stories they share. These small, everyday interactions make a big difference in a child’s reading journey. See below for guidance on how to read with your child at home.
Together, we are building confident, curious, and joyful readers - one story at a time.
