English – Reading

Reading in Key Stage 1 and 2

At Penshurst CE Primary School, in Key Stage 1 and 2, we teach Reading using ‘Curriculum by Unity Partnership’ (CUSP). CUSP is an evidence informed, sequenced curriculum, which provides a cohesive approach to the teaching of Reading from Year 1 up to Year 6.

There is a principle focus on fluency and vocabulary; teaching children the skills and strategies they need, not only to access the Reading curriculum, but so they can also apply these skills in a range of contexts to access the whole primary curriculum, and onwards. This is achieved through a diverse range of literature (see our literature spine), including whole novels, picture books, poetry and specifically written extracts so that children are exposed to a wide range of different texts. CUSP has selected these so that all children are exposed to a range of high quality literature that ‘gives every child a mirror in which to see themselves and offers a window to children to see a world beyond their own’. This complements our ethos at Penshurst, where all children are encourage to ‘walk in the shoes of others’.

Here is a link to CUSP for more information:

Reading in the EYFS

At the heart of our approach to reading in Reception is a desire to instil a love of books and reading from the very beginning. We aim to immerse our children in books and storytelling so that they are immediately driven to learn to read for themselves.

The books we chose to share with the children in Reception are selected specifically to develop their oracy, vocabulary and comprehension whilst always encouraging a love of reading for the simple joy of it. Books are used a tool to enrich all areas of the curriculum and are embedded within the provision available to the children throughout the day. Whilst we do not follow the CUSP structure used in Key Stage 1 + 2, we do ensure that we provide the foundation skills needed for the children to fully access the approach when they enter year 1, including playful fluency games and a focus on Tier 1, 2 and 3 vocabulary. Our aim that our children leave Reception excited by reading and the opportunities it opens up for them; as a tool to understand more about the world outside their immediate surroundings, to learn and develop their knowledge on subjects that interest them, and simply to enjoy getting lost in a brilliant story.

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  Reading Progression

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  Long Term Plan – Cycle A

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  Long Term Plan – Cycle B

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  Reading Policy

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