Reading across Bessemer Primary is a top priority for all children, regardless of their age, backgrounds, needs or abilities. 

Fostering a love of reading and sharing stories, poems and rhymes are paramount in developing children's vocabulary and comprehension. 

All staff work hard to embed a culture where books, vocabulary and reading take top priority.  Short focused, daily phonics sessions are crucial in developing early reading skills but supporting children to become independent readers who love reading is undoubtedly our ultimate goal. 

Across the Gem Federation, we believe that becoming a fluent, skilled and attentive reader starts at the earliest stages.  We value the importance of oracy, using spoken language to develop children's communication skills and broaden their vocabulary.