Reading – curriculum information
‘At Clifton, we believe that all children should be able to read a wide range of text types as a vehicle to life-long learning. We therefore teach the skills of reading from the youngest age and promote a love of reading for a multitude of purposes.’
We aim for all children to be reading fluently by the age of six using the systematic, synthetic phonics approach. At Clifton, we use the Read Write Ink Scheme to achieve this. This is enhanced further through our Reading Mastery approach, where we aim to develop a deeper understanding of rich and high quality texts and share a true love of reading.
As the children’s proficiency in reading develops, our emphasis changes from ‘learning to read’ to ‘reading to learn.’ We encourage all our children from the very start to read with parents and carers daily to support them to develop this essential life skill.
“I love reading because I can pretend I am in the story.” Frankie – FS2
“I love listening to stories.” Maja – Y6
“I like learning phonics because it helps me to read fun stories.” Jack – Y2
“Pupils are proud of their school, and there is a strong sense of belonging.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026
“Pupil premium funding is used extremely effectively.”
— Ofsted, Inclusion · February 2026
“Pupils feel that they belong, and they grow both socially and academically.”
— Ofsted, Leadership and governance · February 2026
“Pupils are confident, resilient and empathetic.”
— Ofsted, Personal development and wellbeing · February 2026
“Pupils achieve very well.”
— Ofsted, Achievement · February 2026
“Teachers have excellent subject knowledge.”
— Ofsted, Curriculum and teaching · February 2026
“The expertise of staff ensures that pupils get the right help at the right time.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026
“Interactions between staff and children are of a consistently high quality.”
— Ofsted, Early years · February 2026
“Pupils thrive at Clifton Primary School.”
— Ofsted, Attendance and behaviour · February 2026
“The curriculum is ambitious, creative and detailed across all subjects.”
— Ofsted, Curriculum and teaching · February 2026
“Pupils are respectful, happy and hardworking.”
— Ofsted, Attendance and behaviour · February 2026
“Leaders have a sharp and accurate understanding of the school’s context, strengths and priorities.”
— Ofsted, Leadership and governance · February 2026
“Inclusion underpins all of the practice at Clifton Primary School.”
— Ofsted, Inclusion · February 2026
“They are well prepared for secondary school.”
— Ofsted, Achievement · February 2026
“They move on as articulate, kind and culturally aware young people.”
— Ofsted, What it’s like to be a pupil at this school · February 2026