School reading schemes explained

Primary schools have a range of reading schemes to choose from. The most popular include Oxford Reading Tree (ORT), Collins Big Cat and Rigby Star, but other schemes are also used, including Lighthouse, Storyworlds and New Reading 360. Some schools continue to use older series, such as Ginn and New Way. 

Reading schemes are developed in conjunction with literacy experts. ORT, for example, is supported by Debbie Hepplewhite, creator of the synthetic phonics programme used in schools. Many reading schemes include non fiction texts to help children develop a broader range of reading skills. Most schemes begin in the Foundation Stage and progressively become more difficult. ‘For example, Key Stage 1 books are written with a mix of high-frequency and decodable words to develop a range of reading strategies, while Key Stage 2 books cover a wide range of genres and subjects, linking to the curriculum,’ explains Louisa Combs, marketing executive for Collins Big Cat.

The number of books at each level depends on how much practice children need at that stage of the reading scheme. Book band colours are used to categorise books at each stage, helping educators and parents track reading progress.

Many schemes also have offshoots alongside the core texts. “In addition to the classic Biff, Chip and Kipper texts, ORT offers other strands, such as Songbirds Phonics, Snapdragon variety fiction, and Fireflies non-fiction, to develop children’s reading range,” says Sophie Quarterman.

Children learn to read at their own pace, but as a guide, the most popular reading schemes are broken down as follows:
 

Oxford Reading Tree

Collins Big Cat, Rigby Star and Lighthouse

Reception: lilac, pink A/B, red A/B
Year 1: yellow, blue, green
Year 2: orange, turquoise, purple, gold, white, lime

Most schemes have additional resources that support their core texts. ORT’s add-ons include CD-ROMs, talking stories, puppets, stickers, comprehension sheets and software, with free eBooks and Biff, Chip and Kipper games. 

Collins Big Cat also offers a selection of apps.

No – Highgate Primary School in London is one such school. ‘We use real books, as we find them more stimulating,’ explains Headteacher William Dean. “If children learn to enjoy books, their reading ability will follow.”

“Children learn to read at different rates, so it shouldn’t become competitive,” says William Dean. “If your child is struggling, don’t push him to read, but keep reading to him, and talk about what you read. This will help him to become inquisitive about books and want to read for himself.” 

“One good strategy is to take the focus off reading aloud,” adds Tim Browse. “Instead, let him read a page to himself, and then ask him questions about it. When children are learning to read, it’s difficult for them to take in the message of the story if all their attention is on reading aloud.”

Many schools allow children to become ‘free readers’ and choose their own books once they finish the reading scheme. Others use a combination of readers and normal books throughout, for example by sending home one reader and one normal book to read together. “Ideally, though, there shouldn’t be a transition,” says William Dean. “Even where schools use reading schemes, children should be enjoying normal books alongside, at school and at home. Reading high-quality books is the best way to encourage a love of reading.”

Find out more about what children learn in Key stage 1 English to understand what they’ll be taught in reading, writing, and speaking and listening.