30th January 2026
Dear Parent Carers,
Weekly Update 30/01/26
I hope this update finds you well. We are looking forward to seeing families at Parent Carer Evening on Tuesday and Wednesday next week – please get in touch with your child’s pastoral team if you haven’t booked an appointment yet.
The main focus of this week’s update is the National Year of Reading We are excited to share that our school will be taking part in the National Year of Reading 2026, an initiative aimed at encouraging children and young people to enjoy reading for pleasure. Reading supports not only literacy, but also communication, wellbeing, creativity, and confidence. At St Martins School, we are embedding this across our provisions in ways that are inclusive, flexible, and enjoyable for all learners.
Over the course of the year, we will be sharing monthly reading challenges and activities that your child can engage with at school and at home. These will also be explored during English lessons at scheduled times, so all students can enjoy dedicated reading moments with staff support.
We hope that you will join us in supporting your child’s reading journey this year. Reading is not only about learning skills but also about connecting, exploring, and enjoying stories in many forms.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can make this a fun and engaging Year of Reading for all our students.
Below is an outline of what you can expect each month:
January – Starting Our Reading Journey
We will introduce the school’s annual reading focus and share simple ideas for supporting reading at home. Activities will include short stories, audiobooks, or shared reading, with an emphasis on enjoyment and accessibility.
February – Reading That Matters to Me
Students will explore texts connected to their own interests. This may include magazines, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels, or audiobooks. Students will be encouraged to share what they enjoy reading.
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
March – Making Time to Read
A planned whole-school reading moment will take place. This is an opportunity for students to enjoy calm, focused reading in class. Families are encouraged to mirror this at home with a short reading session.
April – Adults as Reading Role Models
Staff will share their favourite texts and demonstrate how reading can be enjoyable. Students will be able to see a wide range of accessible materials being read by trusted adults.
May – Exploring Stories through Experience
Stories will be explored using sensory and experiential approaches, including objects, visuals, sounds, and movement. Families can use simple prompts to recreate these experiences at home.
June – Words, Rhythm and Sound
Students will link stories to music and rhythm, exploring song lyrics, rhyme, and soundsupported texts to enhance engagement and understanding.
July – Celebrating Reading in Our School
We will hold a relaxed reading celebration to recognise participation and enjoyment. This may include shared reading, certificates, or informal outdoor reading sessions.
August – Reading Beyond the Classroom
Students and families are invited to notice and share reading experiences beyond school. This might include reading outdoors, in unusual spaces, or with a favourite reading companion.
September – Fresh Starts and New Texts
At the start of the new term, students will re-establish reading routines and explore refreshed reading resources to continue building positive reading habits.
October – Reading Together
A whole-school reading session will take place to celebrate community and inclusion. We will highlight diverse texts that reflect different identities and experiences.
November – Home Voices in Reading
Families are invited to share meaningful texts from home. These contributions will be used to create displays and recommendation lists, helping students discover new reading material.
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
December – Stories for Comfort and Reflection
We will finish the year with familiar and seasonal stories that promote calm, routine, and enjoyment, reinforcing that reading is a positive and comforting experience.
Holiday Free School Meal Voucher Update
As we approach the February half term, we wanted to let you know that this will be the final issue of Free School Meal (FSM) vouchers. This is due to the Household Support Fund coming to an end and not being renewed in its current form. Each eligible student will receive a £12 voucher, with codes expected to be issued during the week beginning 2nd February. Unfortunately, FSM vouchers will not be available from the Easter holidays onwards.
If this change causes any concerns or if you feel you may need additional support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school’s family support team we’re here to help.
With best wishes,
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
Toni Beardmore Headteacher
St Martins School, The Derwent Campus, Bracknell Drive, Alvaston, Derby, DE24 0BT Tel: 01332 571151 Email: admin@stmartins.set.org Online: www.stmartinsschoolderby.co.uk
