In Reception, we use Drawing Club to inspire and develop early English skills through imagination, storytelling and playful talk. This approach combines drawing, vocabulary development and oral storytelling, allowing children to explore rich texts, characters and adventures in a highly engaging way. Pupils learn new words, describe their ideas and begin to construct simple sentences, building strong foundations for writing.

In Year 1, we build on this through Curious Quest, where high-quality texts and meaningful experiences drive learning. Children are encouraged to ask questions, explore characters and events, and develop their ideas through speaking, reading and writing. This approach supports the transition into more formal English learning while maintaining creativity, curiosity and a love of language.

In Year 2, teachers have developed a revised English Long-Term Plan (LTP) to ensure a clear and progressive curriculum. High-quality and diverse texts have been carefully selected to support the teaching of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, drawing on a range of sources, including Grammarsaurus, across a two-year cycle. The plan also ensures systematic coverage of key SPaG (spelling, punctuation and grammar) elements, which are mapped throughout the LTP with planned opportunities for children to revisit and embed these skills at different points during the year. Elements of the Literacy Tree approach are introduced to familiarise pupils with this engaging, text-based curriculum and support a smooth and ambitious transition into Key Stage 2.

From Year 3 to Year 4, we use Literacy Tree planning and resources to deliver a high-quality, text-driven English curriculum that places rich and diverse literature at the heart of learning. Using mixed Year 3/4 planning, we have developed a carefully structured two-year cycle long-term plan, ensuring full coverage of objectives while exposing pupils to a wide range of authors, themes and genres. Pupils explore texts in depth, analysing vocabulary, language features, grammar and authorial intent before applying these in their own purposeful writing. Lessons incorporate discussion, drama and creative opportunities to build confidence in speaking, reading and writing, fostering a genuine love of literacy. Spelling is taught within English lessons and supported by additional lessons using Purple Mash.