To ensure all pupils make speedy progress in phonics and reading

Pupils’ progress in reading is dependent upon both the speedy working out of the pronunciation of unfamiliar printed words (decoding) and the speedy recognition of familiar printed words.

To develop pupils’ understanding and use of spoken language

Pupils’ vocabulary, grammar, understanding of the world, and their ability to communicate effectively depend upon the quality and variety of language they hear and the opportunities they have to speak and interact, in particular with adults. The frequency, depth and quality of these exchanges are fundamental to this progress. Good reading comprehension draws upon this linguistic knowledge.

To develop pupils’ love of reading

Reading widely and sharing books feeds pupils’ imagination, their vocabulary and knowledge of the world.  Pupils’ progress at school is dependent on the breadth and frequency of the books they have read to them and the books they read for themselves: the more they read and have opportunities to talk about what they read, the more words, people and worlds they encounter and understand.