Reading

Reading is a central priority within Horizons Academy Bexley. We recognise that many of our pupils join us with gaps in literacy and varied experiences of reading, and our curriculum is designed to address these quickly and effectively so that all pupils can access learning, build confidence and achieve success. 

We aim to develop confident, fluent readers who are able to read with purpose across a range of contexts. Pupils are supported to access the full curriculum, engage with a wide range of texts and develop the vocabulary and understanding needed for both academic success and everyday life. For older pupils in particular, there is a strong emphasis on functional reading skills, ensuring they are prepared for qualifications, employment and independence. 

Early Reading and Foundations 

Reading begins with a strong focus on early literacy and phonics. In Key Stage 1, all aspects of phonics are taught explicitly for pupils with SEND using the Little Wandle programme, ensuring a structured and systematic approach to developing decoding and early reading skills. Pupils are assessed on entry and participate in daily phonics and reading sessions, supported through 1:1 and small group teaching to build confidence, accuracy and fluency.  

In Key Stage 2, pupils who continue to require support with phonics receive additional targeted intervention to secure these foundational skills alongside the wider reading curriculum. Teaching is carefully structured to ensure that pupils rapidly develop the knowledge and skills needed to access learning across the curriculum. 

All pupils in the primary phase are provided with a reading-for-pleasure book each week to take home and share with their family. In Key Stage 1, pupils also access Collins Online, through which parents and carers receive an eBook aligned to the phonics sounds currently being taught. Pupils engage in daily reading, both independently, where appropriate, and with support from home. In addition, all pupils read with an adult each day within the school setting. 

Developing Key Reading Skills 

Across all key stages, pupils are explicitly taught the core skills required to become confident and competent readers. This includes developing fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, alongside the ability to understand how texts are structured and why they have been written. Pupils learn to retrieve information, make inferences, predict meaning, and evaluate how language is used, while also expanding their vocabulary through exposure to a wide range of texts. Reading is a whole-school responsibility and is reinforced in different contexts. 

Targeted Support and Intervention 

Targeted reading support is a key priority within the school. All pupils are assessed on entry to identify gaps in learning, and teaching is adapted accordingly. Interventions are carefully matched to pupils’ needs and may include structured programmes such as BKSB and That Reading Thing, alongside additional small group or 1:1 support. 

Pupils who require further support receive additional reading lessons, particularly at Key Stage 3, to ensure that gaps in fluency, comprehension and understanding are addressed quickly using That Reading Thing intervention. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure that interventions are effective and that pupils continue to make meaningful progress from their starting points. 

Reading for Purpose 

For older pupils, reading is taught as a practical and transferable skill that can be applied beyond the classroom. Pupils are supported to understand the main ideas within texts, recognise how information is organised and identify the purpose of different types of writing. They develop the skills needed to interpret instructions, read information, and navigate real-life texts such as emails, forms, and workplace materials. 

This ensures pupils are prepared for Functional Skills and GCSE pathways, as well as for life beyond school. 

Impact 

Through this approach, pupils make strong progress from their individual starting points. Gaps in reading are identified early and addressed through targeted support, enabling pupils to develop confidence and independence. Pupils are increasingly able to access learning across all subjects and apply their reading skills in different contexts. 

Reading plays a key role in supporting successful reintegration, transition and progression, ensuring that pupils leave Horizons better equipped for further education, training or employment.