At St. Edmund’s CofE Primary and Nursery School, we want every child to discover the enjoyment of reading – and the opportunities it opens.
Our #StEdREADER Annual Reading Challenge celebrates regular reading through a colourful journey of awards, from Bronze Reader to Diamond Reader, with an exceptional Lighthouse Reader Award for daily dedication.
One reading journey. Growing confidence. New milestones to discover.
Discover the awards
Children receive certificates during Special Mentions Assembly as they reach these cumulative milestones:
| Award | Verified reads |
| Bronze Reader | 30 |
| Silver Reader | 60 |
| Gold Reader | 90 |
| Platinum Reader | 120 |
| Sapphire Reader | 150 |
| Emerald Reader | 180 |
| Ruby Reader | 210 |
| Amethyst Reader | 240 |
| Opal Reader | 270 |
| Diamond Reader | 300 |
Children do not start again after earning a certificate. For example, reaching Bronze means continuing from 30 towards Silver at 60.
Five reads each week across 45 weeks adds up to 225 reads – taking children beyond Ruby Reader!
The Lighthouse Reader Award
Our special Lighthouse Reader Award celebrates children who read on every one of the 315 days in the published challenge period (Academic year).
That means seven days a week, including weekends and holidays within the challenge.
Diamond Reader recognises 300 reading days. Lighthouse Reader recognises the exceptional achievement of reading every day across the full challenge.
What counts as a read?
A read is a meaningful reading session appropriate to your child’s age, reading stage and needs.
It can include:
- Practising a school reading book matched to your child’s phonics knowledge.
- Reading a novel, picture book, poem, non-fiction text, comic or graphic novel.
- Reading aloud to an adult.
- Reading independently and talking about the text afterwards.
- Sharing a book with an adult.
- Using an agreed accessible format, including audiobook-supported reading where appropriate.
A maximum of one read counts per calendar day. Children are welcome to read more, but several sessions on the same day count as one towards the challenge.
Record the date and reading in your child’s reading diary, with confirmation from a parent, carer or school adult. Reading at home or school can count.
Children do not need to finish a whole book for a session to qualify. Rereading a familiar book counts too.
Why does regular reading matter?
Reading helps children access learning across the curriculum. Sharing and discussing books also introduces vocabulary, develops understanding and gives children opportunities to explore ideas and experiences.
The Department for Education’s Reading Framework highlights the importance of reading with children and talking about books. The Education Endowment Foundation recommends shared reading and practical support for families as ways to strengthen learning at home.
These principles underpin our challenge. The certificates celebrate the habit; the real goal is confident children who enjoy and understand what they read.
Small habits make a big difference
You can help your child by:
- Finding a regular moment: choose a manageable time that fits your family.
- Offering choice: explore stories, information books, poetry and comics.
- Reading aloud: children can enjoy being read to even when they read independently.
- Talking together: ask “What surprised you?” or “Why do you think that happened?”
- Revisiting favourites: familiar books can build confidence and enjoyment.
- Keeping it positive: praise effort, curiosity and perseverance.
For children learning phonics, continue practising the school-provided decodable book alongside enjoying other books together.
A reading journey for every child
This challenge celebrates commitment, rather than reading speed, book length or comparison with classmates.
Children will progress at different rates. Missing a day does not erase their total: they can keep building towards their next milestone.
If reading at home is difficult, or your child needs adapted materials or additional support, please speak to their class teacher. We will work with you to identify meaningful reading opportunities and an accessible way to participate.
Whether your child is taking their first steps towards Bronze or approaching Diamond, their effort deserves recognition.
Find out more:
- Department for Education: The Reading Framework
- Education Endowment Foundation: Supporting Parents
- Department for Education: 10 tips for supporting reading
Together, we can help every child discover life in all its fullness – one reading adventure at a time.
#StEdREADER · #BeaconofExcellence · #SixcessValues · #StEDDIES
