Reading at Home at Northfields
Introduction to our aims
At Northfields Infants & Nursery School, we believe that learning to read well is one of the most important foundations a child can have. Strong early reading supports language development, confidence, imagination and success across the curriculum.
Reading is taught daily in school, but children make the greatest progress when reading also happens regularly at home. Reading at home is therefore a shared responsibility between school and families.
Why reading at home matters
Children do not become fluent, confident readers through school alone. Regular reading at home helps children to:
- practise and secure phonics skills
- recognise words more quickly
- develop fluency and expression
- build understanding and enjoyment of books
Short, regular reading sessions are far more effective than occasional longer ones.
Our expectations for home reading
To support children’s progress, we expect that:
- Scheme books are read at least three times per week
- Reading is recorded in your child’s reading record
- Reading for pleasure (stories, library books, listening to stories) happens in addition to the scheme book
About scheme books and re-reading
Children are expected to re-read the same scheme book several times. This is a vital part of learning to read and should not be seen as a concern.
Our Rhino Readers are phonetically decodable, meaning they are carefully matched to the phonics your child has already been taught in school. They are designed to be a fairly “easy” read, allowing children to practise blending sounds successfully, build confidence and develop fluency.
Re-reading the same text helps children:
- read more smoothly and accurately
- recognise words automatically
- gain confidence and independence
- experience success rather than frustration
What effective home reading looks like
Reading at home does not need to be long or formal. A successful routine might include:
- a calm story after bath time or before bed
- co-reading: sharing the book, taking turns, talking about pictures
- adults reading aloud so children hear fluent reading
- listening to stories or audiobooks
- keeping it short and regular – even 5–10 minutes makes a difference
Reading should feel shared and enjoyable, not pressured.
Monitoring and support
Books and bookbags should come to school daily. Teachers check home reading records every Friday. Where scheme reading is not taking place, the school will follow a clear, consistent approach:
- a reminder slip sent home
- further reminders if reading does not improve
- a formal letter if concerns continue, asking parents to improve reading at home or explain any barriers
This approach mirrors the clear systems we use for attendance, toileting and packed lunches. Children are never blamed or penalised for issues that sit with adults.
We will review the impact of this approach at the end of each term and adjust support where needed.
Working together
Our aim is for every child at Northfields to leave us as a confident, capable reader who enjoys books. This can only happen when school and home work together consistently.
If you are experiencing difficulties supporting reading at home, please contact your child’s class teacher so we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my child keep bringing home the same book?
This is deliberate. Children are expected to re-read the same scheme book several times. Re-reading helps them practise phonics, recognise words quickly, build fluency and read with confidence. It is how strong readers are made.
The book seems very easy – should my child move on?
No. Our Rhino Readers are phonetically decodable, meaning they match the phonics your child has already learned. They are designed to feel manageable so children can succeed. Confidence, accuracy and fluency come before challenge.
How long should reading at home take?
Reading does not need to be long. Five to ten minutes, three times a week, is effective when it is calm, focused and regular.
What counts as reading at home?
Reading at home can include:
- Your child reading their scheme book
- Co-reading: sharing the book and taking turns
- An adult reading aloud
- Talking about pictures, characters or events
- Listening to stories or audiobooks
Reading for pleasure is encouraged in addition to the scheme book, not instead of it.
My child is tired or reluctant to read – what should I do?
Keep it short and positive. Choose a calm time of day, sit together, remove distractions and stop before it becomes a battle. Regular, gentle routines work better than pressure.
What if my child has SEND?
For pupils with complex SEND who are pre-verbal, we do not expect independent reading. However, reading to them, sharing stories and talking about books remains essential and supports communication, understanding and enjoyment.
What if we genuinely struggle to read at home?
Please tell us. If there are barriers preventing reading at home, we want to know so we can discuss support. Silence makes it harder to help.
What happens if reading is not happening?
Books should come to school every day. Teachers check reading records every Friday. If scheme reading has not taken place:
- A reminder slip will be sent home
- Further reminders may follow
- Continued non-engagement will result in a formal letter asking parents to improve reading or explain barriers
Children are never blamed or punished for something that sits with adults.
Why is the school being firm about this?
Because reading matters. Early reading habits have a lasting impact on confidence, learning and life chances. School and home must work together to give children the best possible start.