Reading  

At Metheringham Primary School, we believe that fostering a love of reading from an early age is essential. Reading is prioritised from the moment children join us in EYFS and remains a central focus throughout their journey to Year 6. We are committed to ensuring that no child is left behind; all pupils are supported to become confident, fluent readers, regardless of background, need or ability.

Our reading-rich curriculum exposes pupils to a wide range of high-quality texts, genres and text types, carefully linked across all areas of the curriculum. This approach enables pupils to enjoy studying, reading and listening to a variety of texts while developing strong vocabulary, language comprehension and reading skills. As a result, pupils are supported to meet or exceed age-related expectations and leave our school well prepared for the next stage of their education.

We are a Gold Lincolnshire Reading Pledge school and are proud to place reading at the heart of our curriculum. Through regular access to high-quality texts and a strong emphasis on reading for pleasure, we nurture enthusiastic, lifelong readers.

Writing 

At Metheringham Primary School, the teaching of writing begins as soon as children join us in EYFS and continues progressively through to Year 6. Through our Talk for Writing approach, pupils are immersed in high-quality texts and develop the oral language skills needed to become confident, effective writers.

Our aim is for all pupils to leave as confident writers who can clearly communicate their ideas, knowledge and emotions. Children are supported to write accurately, coherently and with increasing sophistication, adapting their language and style for a wide range of contexts, purposes and audiences. Alongside this, we place a strong emphasis on spelling and handwriting, enabling pupils to develop a legible, fluent and personal writing style.

A reading-rich curriculum underpins our writing provision, exposing pupils to a broad range of genres and text types. Through reading, listening to and discussing high-quality texts, pupils build vocabulary, internalise language structures and develop a strong understanding of authorial intent. This inspires creativity, supports pupils in meeting or exceeding age-related expectations, and ensures they are well prepared for the next phase of their education.

Spelling

At Metheringham Primary School, we recognise that strong spelling skills are essential for confident 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 spell accurately and independently.

Spelling is taught explicitly through Essential Letters and Sounds (ELS), which provides a structured, progressive approach from EYFS through to Year 6. Lessons focus on phonics, spelling patterns, rules, morphology and etymology, helping pupils to understand how words work and apply their knowledge across the curriculum. This approach supports children of all abilities and ensures that learning is carefully sequenced and revisited.

To reinforce learning at home, pupils use Spelling Shed for spelling practice and homework. This online platform allows children to practise weekly spelling patterns and words in an engaging and interactive way, while also enabling teachers to monitor progress and provide targeted support. Spelling Shed helps pupils to consolidate their learning and build confidence through regular practice.

Throughout the school, spelling is embedded within writing opportunities across the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to apply their spelling knowledge independently, use appropriate strategies when unsure, and take pride in their written work. Our aim is for all pupils to leave Metheringham Primary School as confident spellers, well prepared for the next stage of their education.