Reading for Pleasure at Thursby School

Reading for Pleasure at Thursby Primary School – Website Summary

At Thursby Primary School, we place Reading for Pleasure at the heart of our culture because we know that children who choose to read do better in school and beyond. Inspired by the research of Professor Teresa Cremin and The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure work, we aim to build strong reading communities where children, families and staff all value and enjoy books.

Reading Communities

We nurture a warm, social reading culture. Children talk about books, share recommendations and enjoy reading alongside their peers and teachers. Staff model what it means to be a reader, talking authentically about the books they love and discovering what interests each child.

Reading Aloud Every Day

Every class enjoys daily story time. Teachers read high-quality texts aloud so children experience a wide range of authors, voices and genres. This builds language, empathy and imagination, and allows children to enjoy stories they may not yet be able to read independently.

Informal Book Talk & Choice

We give children time and space to talk about what they are reading, share opinions and explore new texts. Pupils have real choice in what they read, helping them develop their own reading identities and tastes. Teachers use their knowledge of children’s reading habits to make tailored, sensitive recommendations.

Social Reading Environments

Our classrooms and library are designed to be inviting, comfortable places to read. Books are displayed attractively and refreshed regularly so children are surrounded by texts that spark interest and curiosity. Children see reading as something pleasurable, social and valued by the whole school.

Our Aim

We want every child to leave Thursby as a reader: someone who chooses to read, talks enthusiastically about books, and sees reading as a joyful, meaningful part of life—not just something done at school, but something done for pleasure.