On the CUSP of reading

Sharing a love of reading and encouraging young people to pick up a book instead of looking at a screen may not be easy.

But pupils at Chestnut Park Primary School are taking part in a reading programme which aims to foster a lifelong love of literature, in all its forms.

The school, a member of GLF Schools Multi Academy Trust, is running the CUSP programme which highlights engaging works. Parents have also been going into the school over a couple of weeks for workshops to learn more about it.

CUSP focuses on a core literature of high-quality texts with vocabulary instruction and a deep comprehension strategy to create a progressive and consistent reading journey for schools across the primary years.

Young readers are offered an extensive range of both fiction and non-fiction and the programme is designed to empower both children and teachers and create joyful reading experiences.

“The children will be supported to develop fluency and language. We have also invited parents into workshops so they understand the programme and can see how it will benefit their children,” said Suzie Jones, Assistant Headteacher.

The system was introduced in the last academic year and parents have been encouraged to attend year group sessions at the school this month. Over the course of a week they had the opportunity to learn more about the CUSP system and how to best support their children at home to ensure continuity of practice.

“We introduced the CUSP system during the last academic year and now we have welcomed parents to join workshops taking a closer look at the benefits to their own children and their year groups,” said Phebe Darkwah, English Reading Lead.