At Maundene, we believe that reading is the foundation for all learning. To support our pupils in becoming confident, fluent readers, we encourage a strong home-school connection.

Why Reading Matters: The Facts Research consistently shows that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success—more than their family circumstances or background.

• The "10-Minute Impact": Reading for just 10 minutes a day exposes a child to over 600,000 words a year.

Top Tips for Reading at Home:

• Make it a Routine: Choose a quiet time each day—little and often is more effective than one long session.

• Check for Understanding: Ask questions like "What do you think happens next?" to develop their comprehension.

• Follow Their Interests: Whether it is a comic, a recipe, or a book about a favourite TV show, all reading is valuable.

• Be a Role Model: Let your child see you reading too; it shows them that reading is an enjoyable life skill.

Local Resources in Medway: With 2026 being the National Year of Reading, there are fantastic local opportunities to explore:

• Chatham Library: Offers a brilliant selection of children’s books and free "Storytime" sessions.

• Child-friendly Medway: Keep an eye out for the "For the Love of Reading" initiative, which often hosts free book trails in local parks and the Pentagon Shopping Centre.

• Family Hubs: Check the local Family Hub app for storytelling workshops designed to help parents make storytime at home even more engaging.

Do you—or perhaps a grandparent or family friend—have a passion for stories? We are looking for volunteers from our wider community to spend a little time each week listening to our pupils read. It is a wonderful way to support the children's confidence and share a love of books.

How to help: If you or someone you know is interested, please contact the School Office for more information on how to get started.

As our pupils grow more confident using the internet for homework, gaming, and connecting with friends, it is vital that we work together to keep them safe and responsible online.

Smart Surfing: Top Tips

We encourage all our students to follow the SMART rules when using the internet at home:

• S - Safe: Keep your personal information private.

• M - Meet: Never meet up with someone you’ve only met online.

• A - Accepting: Do not open emails or messages from people you don’t know.

• R - Reliable: Not everything online is true! Always check facts with an adult.

• T - Tell: If something online makes you feel worried, tell a trusted adult immediately.

Mobile Phones: Important Reminder

We understand that some of our Year 5 and 6 pupils carry a phone for safety while travelling. However, please remember our strict policy regarding devices on the school site:

• Arrival in the Morning: Mobile phones must not be used on the school premises at any time. This rule applies the moment pupils enter the school gates. Phones should be switched off and kept out of sight before entering the school grounds.

• Handing in Devices: Once inside the building, all phones must be handed to the class teacher immediately. They will be stored securely for the duration of the school day.

• During the Day: Phones are strictly prohibited in classrooms, hallways, and all social areas.

• Departure: Phones will be returned at the end of the day and should only be switched back on once the pupil has exited the school gates.

By keeping our school site "screen-free," we ensure that all pupils start their day focused on their learning and interacting positively with one another.

Support for Families

For further guidance on protecting your child online, we recommend the following expert resources:

• Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership (MSCP): Visit the Online Safety for Families page for local advice and guidance on managing digital risks.

• NSPCC: The NSPCC Online Safety Hub provides excellent guides on setting up parental controls and talking to your child about staying safe.

• CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection): If you are concerned about someone communicating with your child online in an inappropriate way, you can report it directly to CEOP via their reporting page. CEOP is a law enforcement agency that works to keep children safe from online abuse and exploitation.

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