“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you know, the more places you will go.”
— Dr Seuss

At Rawmarsh & Arnold Nursery School Federation, we place stories at the heart of our curriculum. Our carefully planned, story-led approach supports children’s language development, imagination and love for reading from the very earliest stage.

We have developed a detailed progression of key texts from our 2–3 provision through to the end of FS1. Each book has been thoughtfully chosen to introduce and reinforce important language, vocabulary and concepts appropriate to the age and stage of our children. Through regular repetition and revisiting, children build a strong understanding of new words and begin to use them confidently in their own play and conversations.

For example, around the age of two-and-a-half, children begin developing key verbs such as walking, running, jumping and skipping, along with simple descriptive words like fast and slow. At this stage, we use texts such as Walking Through the Jungle to support this early language development. As children progress into FS1, they are introduced to more complex stories such as The Little Red Hen and Jack and the Beanstalk, which help them understand sequencing and narrative structure using language like first, next and finally.

Key texts are shared in small groups over extended periods, allowing children to become deeply familiar with each story. This repeated exposure supports listening and attention, builds comprehension, introduces new vocabulary and fosters a genuine love of reading.

In FS1, two key texts are explored at any one time: one traditional tale and one linked to seasons, celebrations or children’s interests, helping to connect learning across the curriculum. In our 2–3 provision, one key text is used at a time, allowing younger children the repetition they need to embed early vocabulary.

 

Promoting a Love of Reading

As part of our commitment to the Rotherham Loves Reading initiative, we follow the Children’s Reading Charter, ensuring that every child develops a lifelong love of books and stories.

Every child has the right to:

1. Read for pleasure
We create warm, nurturing experiences where adults share books with children. Snuggling up with a story helps children feel safe, building strong emotional connections with reading.

2. Access new books
We provide a lending library for all children, including those in 2–3s, FS1 and outreach groups. Our collections are carefully maintained and refreshed regularly.

3. Receive expert guidance
We work closely with our local library. Librarians visit to read with the children and offer sign-up opportunities for families

4. Own their own books
Every child receives two brand-new books each year—one at Christmas and one during Reading Month in March.

5. See themselves in books
Our book selection reflects the diversity of our community and challenges stereotypes. Wherever possible, we provide books in children’s home languages.

6. Be read to regularly
Storytelling is at the heart of everyday practice. Children enjoy stories throughout the day, including during family group time.

7. Choose what to read
Children can independently select books from well-resourced reading areas across our learning environments.

8. Be creative
Creative opportunities are often inspired by our key texts. Children may act out stories, use puppets, explore role play, or create art linked to stories—for example, retelling Goldilocks and the Three Bears through play, art or outdoor experiences.

9. Experience storytelling events
During Reading Month, children enjoy live storytelling experiences, such as visits from local storytellers and regularly planned teacher shows.

10. Care for their world
Through storytelling, Forest School and our personal development curriculum, children learn to care for themselves, others and the environment—helping to ensure a world where stories can continue to be shared for generations.