What do we do?

At Wightwick Hall School, reading is a fundamental part of our curriculum and plays a vital role in supporting communication, independence and lifelong learning. Our reading provision ensures that all learners, including those with Special Educational Needs, experience reading in meaningful, accessible and engaging ways.

Reading is incorporated discretely within tutorial time three days per week, providing regular opportunities for exposure to high quality texts, structured reading opportunities and supportive discussion. On two days each week, tutors read aloud to students using carefully selected texts from the Pie Corbett Reading Spine. Being read to is especially important for young people with SEN as it provides rich vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, supports emotional regulation and allows access to stories beyond their independent reading level.

Students also take part in independent reading once each week, choosing books that both interest and appropriately challenge them. Book choices are guided by baseline reading assessments completed at the start of the academic year and are adjusted throughout the year in line with individual progress.

In addition to tutorial sessions, pupils have frequent opportunities to read across the wider curriculum. Reading is embedded within subjects such as Science, Humanities, Computing, Food Technology and PSHE, where students engage with instructions, information texts, key vocabulary, narratives and visual supports. This cross curricular approach strengthens confidence, fluency and understanding across all subject areas.

Our reading offer promotes enjoyment, curiosity and independence while helping learners develop the literacy skills needed to access the world around them.

How do we do it?

Reading is delivered through a supportive and structured model embedded within tutorial time and throughout the wider curriculum.

 Tutor Read-Aloud Sessions (2 days per week)

• Tutors read aloud high quality texts from the Pie Corbett Reading Spine.
• These sessions expose pupils to rich vocabulary and complex language beyond their reading level.
• SEN learners benefit through modelled expression, improved listening and enhanced comprehension.
• Shared stories support emotional development, imagination and social interaction.

Independent Reading (1 day per week)

• Pupils select books aligned to their baseline assessment and personal interest.
• Tutors guide book selection to ensure appropriate challenge and enjoyment.
• Text levels are reviewed and adapted regularly as pupils progress.
• Independent reading builds confidence, ownership and resilience as learners.

 Cross Curricular Reading Opportunities

Reading is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving students meaningful practice in a range of real contexts. This includes:
• reading instructions in practical subjects
• decoding vocabulary in Science and Humanities
• interpreting information on worksheets, displays and digital resources
• exploring narratives within creative subjects
• reading functional texts linked to Preparation for Adulthood

These opportunities help students apply reading skills with increasing independence and purpose.

Why do we do it?

Reading enables pupils to understand the world, communicate effectively and access the full curriculum. Many learners with SEN benefit from repeated exposure, skilled modelling and structured opportunities to engage with texts in a safe and supportive environment. Our reading programme promotes confidence, curiosity and independence.

Top 5 Impacts

1. Enhanced Vocabulary and Language Development
Exposure to high quality texts deepens language comprehension and enriches expressive skills.

2. Improved Listening, Attention and Comprehension
Regular read aloud sessions strengthen processing and understanding.

3. Greater Independence in Reading
Structured independent reading helps students take ownership of their reading journey.

4. Increased Enjoyment and Engagement
Stories nurture imagination, empathy and emotional wellbeing.

5. Improved Reading Skills Across the Curriculum
Cross curricular opportunities enable learners to apply and build reading skills in real, functional contexts.