The Importance of Reading

At Spittal, we recognise the importance of reading for success at school and in later life, a skill that opens doors to imagination and confidence. From the moment children join us, we nurture a love of stories, language, and curiosity through books.

Reading underpins every part of the curriculum. Whether solving a maths problem, exploring science, or learning about the wider world, strong reading skills help children understand, question, and engage with the world around them. That's why we prioritise regular, meaningful reading experiences in every classroom and beyond — both for learning and for pleasure. Pupils also benefit from the use of our library, our ‘borrow-a-book’ and book swap shop and volunteers coming in to listen to them read.

We use a structured approach to teaching reading, supported by high-quality phonics in the early years and rich, varied texts across all age groups. But beyond teaching the mechanics of reading, we aim to build a culture where children want to read, choosing books that inspire them and developing habits that will last a lifetime.

We also know that children thrive when school and home, work together. Whether it’s sharing bedtime stories, joining library sessions, or listening to your child read aloud, your involvement makes a real difference. Together, we can help every child grow as a reader, ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Reading isn't just a subject, it’s the heart of how children learn, think, and dream.

Suggested Reading for Every Year Group

Explore our recommended booklists, lovingly chosen by schools and librarians across the UK, covering every age from Nursery to Year 6.

Top Picks Across All Ages (UK)

• Year Group Recommended Reads – Top Children's Books by Age – 50 must-read books per year group
• 100 best children's books | BookTrust – handpicked classics and new gems
• National Literacy Trust | UK Literacy Charity – themed lists celebrating curiosity and inclusion

Welsh Reads to Celebrate

• Pori Drwy Stori | BookTrust – bilingual packs for early years (3–5yr olds)
• Tir na n-Og Awards | Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru – awards for children’s literature in Wales including Arwana Swtan a’r Sgodyn Od (Primary School Category 2025)
• History Grounded / Hanes yn y Tir – a bilingual must read history of Wales (aged 8–12)

Reading Tips for Home

Here are some simple ways you can support your child’s reading journey at home:

• Make reading part of the routine – bedtime stories or library visits. Just 10–15 minutes a day of shared reading can help your child grow in confidence, build vocabulary, and develop a lifelong love of books.
• Snuggle up with shared reading – choose fun, rhythmic books such author Julia Donaldson.
• Encourage choice and variety: humour, adventure, comics, non-fiction, poems—there’s something for every child and choice builds motivation.
• Ask questions such as “what do you think will happen next?” or “How is the character feeling?”. This helps build comprehension skills.
• Re-read favourites - Reading the same book again builds fluency and confidence. Repetition is a great learning tool.

Don’t forget…

• Visit your local library together—many have free children’s activities.
• Try audiobooks on car journeys or quiet time.
• Use your child’s reading record to let us know how it’s going.