Reading Charter

Our Reading Charter sets out our commitment to building a strong reading culture — one school at a time. We believe every child deserves to be a reader who is supported, included, and inspired, and our charter brings this vision to life through clear expectations and high-quality practice.

What is the WEH Reading Charter?

The Whiteknights English Hub Reading Charter sets out our shared pledge to grow a strong, sustainable reading culture in every school we work with. Rooted in excellent early reading and a genuine love of reading for pleasure, the charter recognises the vital role of leadership, families and school communities in shaping children’s reading lives. The Bronze Reading Award celebrates schools that embed reading within their vision, prioritise high-quality books and inclusive reading environments, actively engage parents, and ensure that every child experiences reading as both a skill to be mastered and a source of joy. Together, these commitments lay the foundations for confident, capable and enthusiastic readers.

What does the bronze award entail?

To earn the Bronze Award, schools commit to the following practices in support of early reading and reading for pleasure.

Strategic Reading Leadership (& Vision)

Strong reading cultures are built through clear leadership and shared purpose. This section outlines how school leaders champion early reading and reading for pleasure, ensuring reading is a visible priority within school development, professional learning and communication with families. By modelling best practice, engaging with research, and clearly articulating the school’s approach to reading, leaders create the conditions for reading to thrive across the whole school community.

Family & Community Engagement

Children become confident readers when school and home work together. This section focuses on how schools support families to play an active role in their child’s reading journey, through guidance, high-quality books sent home, and opportunities to develop shared reading habits. By building strong links with parents and local libraries, schools extend reading beyond the classroom and nurture a love of books within the wider community.

Embedding a Reading Culture in School

A rich reading culture is one where books are valued, visible and enjoyed every day. This section highlights how schools create inviting reading environments, prioritise daily storytime and protected time for reading for pleasure, and curate inclusive, diverse book collections. Through celebration, routine and thoughtful investment in reading spaces, schools ensure that all pupils experience reading as meaningful, engaging and joyful.

Celebrate Your Achievement

Participating schools will receive a Bronze Reading Award Certificate and digital badge to recognise their commitment.