Reading Interventions
Reading Interventions
At the end of each academic year reading assessments are collated and, based on the results, children are allocated places on a number of different reading interventions. Suitability for each particular intervention is carefully considered.
Reading TAs
At Castle Hill we have dedicated reading TAs who support children who are still finding reading a challenge when they are in KS2. We have an overcoming barriers to reading flow chart that helps us to understand why children are finding reading difficult. It could be due to fluency problems, decoding issues, phonological difficulties or a child might find it hard to comprehend what they have read. The TAs complete a variety of assessments on the children before they start and hear these children read regularly, ensuring that they are reading appropriately decodable books.
Phonological Awareness
A phonological awareness screening helps us to pinpoint where a child is having specific difficulties which may impact their ability to read confidently. A child's understanding of rhyme, alliteration, syllables, initial sounds and segmenting and blending are assessed and then they have targeted intervention to support any needs that are identified.
Eye Tracking
Sometimes we find that children's eyes do not track together which can make reading left to right difficult. Eye tracking exercises are completed by some children at the start of phonics intervention sessions daily and some children also work with a TA in their year group to do brief eye exercises daily when there is a need. Children are regularly reassessed and when their eyes work well together they no longer need to complete the exercises.
Bookmark (online reading support)
Bookmark is a charity that supports children reading in school online. Bookmark’s programmes offer support for children in Years 1 to 4 who are at risk of not meeting the expected standard for reading. It consists of a six-week programme providing two, 30-minute, one-to-one reading sessions each week, with a trained volunteer. The children read with and play reading games with their volunteers online. These sessions take place online through our secure, interactive platform.
ITFC reading support
Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of the Premier League and professional football clubs to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills. The programme has been developed and is managed by the Premier League Charitable Fund, a Premier League funded charity which aims to create positive and lasting sporting, health and education outcomes for children, young people and the wider community. An Ipswich Town sports coach is able to deliver this programme as a reading intervention for children in year 5 and 6 at Castle Hill.