Reading

At Metheringham Primary School, we believe that reading is the key to unlocking the entire curriculum and is fundamental to every child's success. We are passionate about developing confident, fluent readers who not only read with accuracy and understanding but also develop a genuine love of books that lasts a lifetime.

Reading begins from the moment children join us in EYFS, where daily phonics teaching is complemented by high-quality stories, nursery rhymes and carefully chosen class texts. As pupils progress through the school, reading continues to be at the heart of our curriculum through our Whole Class Reading (WCR) approach, which combines the explicit teaching of reading fluency and comprehension.

Pupils follow a carefully sequenced Whole Class Reading curriculum built around ambitious themes and high-quality texts. Each unit brings together fiction, non-fiction, poetry and Reading for Pleasure class reads, enabling children to make meaningful connections between texts while developing their vocabulary, background knowledge and understanding of the wider world. Our curriculum includes both classic and contemporary literature, ensuring children encounter a diverse range of authors, voices, cultures and perspectives.

Reading fluency is a key priority across the school. We recognise that fluent reading is the bridge between decoding and comprehension, allowing children to read accurately, automatically and with expression so that they can fully engage with meaning. Through repeated reading, modelled reading, echo reading and discussion, pupils develop confidence, stamina and enjoyment as readers.

Alongside our curriculum, Reading for Pleasure is woven throughout school life. Carefully selected class reads provide opportunities for children to hear exceptional books read aloud, while class libraries encourage pupils to explore texts independently and discover authors they love. We want every child to experience both mirrors and windows through literature - seeing themselves reflected in books whilst also developing empathy and understanding of the experiences, cultures and lives of others.

As a Gold Lincolnshire Reading Pledge school, we are proud to place reading at the heart of everything we do. By the time pupils leave Metheringham Primary School, they are equipped with the fluency, comprehension skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to become lifelong readers.

Writing

At Metheringham Primary School, writing is taught through a carefully planned, progressive curriculum that inspires every child to become a confident, creative and purposeful writer. From EYFS through to Year 6, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to write effectively for a wide range of audiences and purposes.

Our writing curriculum is underpinned by the Talk for Writing approach. Through high-quality model texts, rich discussion and oral rehearsal, children internalise language patterns before planning, drafting, editing and publishing their own writing. This approach enables pupils to develop confidence, accuracy and independence as writers.

Across the school, children write in a wide variety of genres, including narrative, poetry and non-fiction, with carefully sequenced units ensuring progression in both composition and transcription. Vocabulary, grammar and sentence structure are taught within meaningful contexts so that pupils can apply their learning confidently in their own writing.

Reading sits at the heart of our writing curriculum. Carefully chosen texts expose pupils to ambitious vocabulary, rich language structures and exemplary authors' craft, providing inspiration and meaningful models for writing. By reading widely and discussing high-quality literature, children develop their understanding of language, authorial choices and the impact writing can have on an audience.

Alongside composition, we place a strong emphasis on spelling, handwriting and editing. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on and improve their writing, taking pride in producing work that is accurate, well-presented and increasingly sophisticated.

Our aim is for every child to leave Metheringham Primary School as a confident writer who can communicate ideas clearly, creatively and effectively, equipped with the skills they need for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Spelling

At Metheringham Primary School, we recognise that accurate spelling is an essential component of successful reading, writing and communication. We are committed to ensuring that all pupils develop a secure understanding of spelling patterns, rules and strategies, enabling them to become confident, independent spellers.

Spelling develops progressively from our Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS) phonics programme in EYFS and Key Stage 1 before building into an explicit spelling curriculum that continues through to Year 6. As pupils move through the school, they develop their understanding of spelling patterns, rules, morphology and etymology, helping them to understand how words are constructed and apply this knowledge confidently across the curriculum. Learning is carefully sequenced and regularly revisited to ensure knowledge is retained and built upon over time.

To reinforce learning at home, pupils use Spelling Shed for spelling practice and homework. This engaging online platform enables children to practise weekly spelling patterns and words while allowing teachers to monitor progress and provide targeted support. Regular practice helps pupils consolidate their learning, develop automaticity and grow in confidence as spellers.

Spelling is taught explicitly but is also embedded throughout writing across the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to apply their spelling knowledge independently, use a range of

strategies when tackling unfamiliar words and proofread their work carefully. We believe that developing accurate spelling allows children to write with greater confidence and fluency, enabling them to focus on communicating their ideas effectively.

Our aim is for every child to leave Metheringham Primary School as a confident, accurate speller who is well prepared for the next stage of their education.

Supporting Your Child with Spelling at Home

While spelling is only one aspect of becoming a successful writer, developing secure spelling skills helps children become more confident, independent writers. Here are some ways you can support your child at home:

· Encourage your child to have a go at spelling words independently. Making mistakes is a valuable part of learning and helps children become more confident and adventurous with vocabulary.

· Encourage your child to use their phonics knowledge and remind them of spelling patterns and rules they have learnt at school.

· Practise spelling by writing words down. This reinforces spelling patterns, supports memory and helps develop handwriting and fine motor skills.

· Encourage your child to proofread their writing and look for words that don't "look right". Support them in using a dictionary or other resources to check and correct unfamiliar spellings independently.

· Read with your child regularly. Reading exposes children to words in meaningful contexts, helping them develop their spelling, vocabulary and understanding of language.