Reading has been placed at the heart of the literacy agenda at Leighton Primary School, and support staff are seen as key to the development of enthusiastic readers.
Rachael Dyer, learning mentor, has introduced a reading champions' scheme to help raise the achievement of boys at KS2. She also welcomes reading ambassadors such as Inspector Mike Sutton from British Transport Police.
Glyn Turner, headteacher, and the school governors recognise the benefits of investing in support staff and actively encourage their continual professional development. Their training and performance is managed by Vicky Robertson, the schools SENCO.
Vicky explains the crucial role that the school's KS2 TA plays in assessing the children's reading and deciding what help they need. She discusses the strategies they use and encourages networking and collaboration with neighbouring schools. The TAs talk about their various roles and how they help make personalised learning a reality.
