Our Ref: RKS/DMB 10 January 2017
Dear Parents/Carers,
As you are aware, at Oaklands, your child engages in ‘Flying Start’- fifteen minutes of independent reading at 2.25pm each day. Not only does this allow them to engage in reading for pleasure, but it also enhances their use of vocabulary; their use of accurate and sophisticated punctuation and their use of accurate spelling. It also enhances their ability to decode and interpret information in the world around them and develops their comprehension skills. I am certain that you will understand how vital these skills are.
I wrote to you last year about the powerful impact that reading for pleasure makes; according to research from the Institute of Education (IOE), “children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers”. They examined the effect of reading for pleasure on cognitive development over time and found that “children who read for pleasure made more progress in maths, vocabulary and spelling between the ages of 10 and 16 than those who rarely read.”
It is our expectation that every child will have a suitable reading book with them every day. As it is a compulsory piece of equipment, to support our Y8 students, I have been fortunate enough to once again acquire a range of brand new Bookbuzz reading books at the heavily discounted price of just £3. This ensures that every student can actively partake in ‘Flying Start’ and should encourage a ‘buzz about books’.
The books have once again, been selected by an independent panel of experts and cover books across a variety of genres, styles and abilities. The titles and more information about Bookbuzz can be found by visiting:
This year, the deadline date for payments is 5 February 2017.Those families who qualify for pupil premium funding under the free school meal criteria or have been in receipt of free school meals in the last six years, will receive a book at no charge. Please indicate on the attached proforma if you fall into this category.
Free school meals criteria
•Income Support
•Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
•Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
•Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
•the Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
•Child Tax Credit, provided you are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have annual gross income of no more than £16,190 as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs
•Working Tax Credit run-on-paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
Please complete and return the consent form and monies (cheques made payable to Oaklands Catholic School) to the Finance Office by 5 February 2017. Alternatively you can pay online.
Reading is a huge part of your child's life at Oaklands. In addition to your child's participation in 'Flying Start' each day, they also have a fortnightly lesson in our library. All English lessons also start with dedicated reading time.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for taking the time to continue to support and encourage your child in this highly significant area.
Yours sincerely,
Miss R. Sharma
Literacy Co-ordinator and Teacher of English.
PLEASE RETURN TO THE FINANCE OFFICE BY 5 FEBRUARY 2017
FLYING START, YEAR 8
I confirm that I have parental responsibility for
Student Name:……………………………………………………Form……………………
I enclose payment of £
I will pay online
I wish to apply for Pupil Premium
Parental Signature: ……………………………………………….…….Date………………
Email address: ………………………………………………………………………………..