At St Peter’s, we believe that strong reading fluency and secure comprehension are essential foundations for every child’s learning journey. Across Key Stages 1 and 2, we prioritise teaching that enables pupils not only to read accurately and confidently, but to understand, interpret and enjoy the texts they encounter.

Key Stage 1

In Key Stage 1, children develop secure decoding skills through high‑quality phonics teaching, enabling them to read words accurately and begin to build fluency. As their reading becomes more automatic, pupils can focus  on understanding meaning, exploring vocabulary and engaging with stories, information texts and poetry. This early fluency is vital: it frees up cognitive space so children can think about what they are reading, not just how to read it.

Key Stage 2

In key Stage 2, pupils continue to develop fluency through regular practice, modelled reading and exposure to rich, challenging texts. As outlined in the Reading Framework, fluent reading underpins strong comprehension, allowing pupils to make inferences, discuss themes, analyse language and build the knowledge needed across the wider curriculum. The Writing Framework also highlights the importance of reading as a driver for writing: pupils who read widely develop a stronger sense of vocabulary, structure and authorial style.

Across the school, we aim to ensure that every child becomes a confident, fluent reader who can understand, enjoy and learn from what they read. By nurturing both fluency and comprehension, we equip our pupils with the skills they need to succeed academically, think critically and develop a lifelong love of reading.