Reading for Pleasure at KWPS

At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we believe that reading for pleasure is one of the most important gifts we can give our children. We are committed to developing confident, enthusiastic readers who choose to read because they enjoy it, not simply because they have to.

Reading opens the door to new worlds, develops imagination, enriches vocabulary and supports success across every area of the curriculum. We want every child to leave KWPS with a lifelong love of books and reading.

Creating a Love of Reading

Reading for pleasure is woven throughout everyday life at our school. We provide regular opportunities for children to explore books, share stories and discover authors that inspire them.

Children are encouraged to read a wide range of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, helping them develop their own interests and discover the joy of reading.

Reading Areas in Every Classroom

Every classroom has a dedicated reading area where children can enjoy books in a calm and welcoming environment.

Our reading areas are carefully designed to:

  • encourage children to choose books independently
  • promote quiet reading and reflection
  • showcase high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry
  • celebrate recommended authors and new releases
  • inspire children to read for enjoyment.

Teachers regularly update these areas to reflect topics being studied, children's interests and seasonal themes.

Our School Library

Our recently refurbished library provides an inviting and inspiring space where children can develop a love of reading.

Designed to encourage children to relax and enjoy books, our library includes:

  • a wide selection of high-quality fiction, non-fiction and poetry
  • cosy seating areas
  • comfortable bean bags
  • attractive book displays
  • books suitable for all ages and reading abilities.

The library is a welcoming environment where children can browse, read independently and discover new favourite authors.

Visits to Kirkham Library

We are proud to work closely with Kirkham Library, giving children opportunities to experience their local library and understand the many benefits it offers.

Throughout the year, classes visit the library to:

  • borrow books
  • discover new authors
  • explore different genres
  • develop library skills
  • understand how public libraries support lifelong reading.

These visits encourage children and families to make full use of this valuable community resource.

Librarian Visits

We also welcome librarians into school to share their expertise and enthusiasm for reading.

Through assemblies, workshops and classroom visits, children are introduced to:

  • exciting new books
  • popular authors and illustrators
  • reading challenges
  • library services available within the local community.

These sessions inspire children to broaden their reading choices and develop confidence as readers.

Reading Together

Teachers read aloud to their classes every day because we know that hearing high-quality stories helps children develop vocabulary, comprehension and a genuine enjoyment of books.

Reading aloud allows children to experience texts that may be beyond their independent reading level while developing a shared love of stories across the school.

Celebrating Reading

Throughout the year we celebrate reading in many different ways, including:

  • World Book Day
  • author and illustrator studies
  • reading assemblies
  • book recommendations
  • Reading Champions
  • library visits
  • themed reading events
  • opportunities to share favourite books with others.

These experiences help create a culture where reading is valued, celebrated and enjoyed by everyone.

Reading at Home

We believe that reading is most successful when school and home work together.

We encourage families to:

  • read together every day
  • talk about books and stories
  • visit local libraries
  • enjoy a wide range of books, magazines and information texts
  • celebrate reading as part of everyday family life.

Just ten to fifteen minutes of reading each day can make a significant difference to a child's confidence, fluency and enjoyment.

Our Aim

At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we want every child to see themselves as a reader.

By creating inspiring reading environments, providing access to high-quality books and offering a wide range of exciting reading experiences, we aim to nurture confident, enthusiastic readers who develop a lifelong love of reading and are ready to Belong, Believe and Be the Best They Can Be.