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Apply online today to see if we can support your school or visit the Events page to book onto one of our showcase events.

Little Sutton English Hub

English Hubs promote a love of reading and help schools provide excellent teaching in phonics and early language by:
Developing early language and closing the word gap.
Developing early reading through systematic, synthetic phonics.
Promoting a love of reading.

Our English Hub is one of 34 schools across England appointed by the DfE to support local schools, academies and free schools to improve the teaching of phonics, early language and reading in Reception and Year 1.

Little Sutton English Hub is based in Little Sutton Primary School in Sutton Coldfield, and offers support to schools in:

Birmingham, Lichfield, Stafford, East Staffordshire, Staffordshire Moorlands, Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, North Warwickshire, Tamworth, Solihull, Coventry, Rugby, Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Upcoming Events

See all events
Thu 30 Nov

Exploring Effective Pedagogies and Teaching Approaches for Reading - Years 5/6

30th Nov 3:45pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event In this second webinar Ruth will explore in depth with teachers and English leaders, the varied pedagogies that can be employed to deepen young children’s understanding of text and how reading supports learners become more effective and creative writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 07 Dec

Kirsty Godfrey, Presents Developing a High Quality English Curriculum Based on Ofsted’s Research Review into English and Introducing Key Messages from Ofsted’s Subject Report for English Due for Publication in December

7th Dec 4pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event We are delighted to be able to offer another chance to see the recent webinar delivered by Senior HMI for Early Education, Kirsty Godfrey.   Kirsty focuses on developing spoken language and explains how to develop key skills required for an effective writing curriculum, including emphasising the importance of practising oral composition, and explains how schools can teach children to become accurate and fluent readers and writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Tue 12 Dec

Reading Framework Webinar

12th Dec 3:45pm-4:45pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Little Sutton English Hub literacy specialist, Lamorna Ross, will deliver this free Department for Education 60-minute webinar on the ‘Reading Framework', intended for primary strategic leaders.  The webinar will provide an opportunity for school leaders, reading leads, governors and local authorities to understand the recently expanded Reading Framework and will discuss what has been added to the Reading Framework since 2021. The webinar will also discuss five key messages that all primary leaders should know.    Click here to Book  

Book Now
Wed 13 Dec

Reading Framework Webinar

13th Dec 2pm-3pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Little Sutton English Hub literacy specialist, Lamorna Ross, will deliver this free Department for Education 60-minute webinar on the ‘Reading Framework', intended for primary strategic leaders.  The webinar will provide an opportunity for school leaders, reading leads, governors and local authorities to understand the recently expanded Reading Framework and will discuss what has been added to the Reading Framework since 2021. The webinar will also discuss five key messages that all primary leaders should know.    Click here to Book  

Book Now
Tue 16 Jan

Role of the Reading Leader

16th Jan 3:45pm-5pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Another chance to see this recorded, non-SSP-specific, webinar delivered by expert English Hub Literacy Specialist, Lamorna Ross.  Suitable for current or prospective reading leaders interested in learning more about the role of reading leader, and in acquiring supportive strategies to enhance performance.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 18 Jan

Teaching Reading Comprehension - Years 3/4

18th Jan 3:45pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event This year we are presenting a series of webinars focused on how to teach reading well, that follow the principles laid out in the DFE’s Reading Framework 2023.     In this first webinar we will look at all the opportunities there are to teach reading, in Year 3/4, during the school day, and how we might sequence the teaching of reading in English and reading lessons.   This will be followed by a Webinar on the 20th June, when Ruth will explore with Year 3/4 teachers and English leaders, the varied pedagogies that can be employed to deepen young children’s understanding of text and how  reading supports learners become more effective and creative writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Wed 24 Jan

The Role of Governors in Supporting Phonics Implementation

24th Jan 5pm-6:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Another chance to see this recorded webinar, delivered by expert English Hub Literacy Specialist, Lamorna Ross, and suitable for all governance professionals and senior leaders involved in governance who would like to know more about how to support their school with the implementation of excellent phonics provision.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Wed 31 Jan

Kirsty Godfrey Presents Developing a High Quality English Curriculum Based on Ofsted’s Research Review into English and Introducing Key Messages from Ofsted’s Subject Report for English Due for Publication in December.

31st Jan 4pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event We are delighted to be able to offer another chance to see the recent webinar delivered by Senior HMI for Early Education, Kirsty Godfrey.   Kirsty focuses on developing spoken language and explains how to develop key skills required for an effective writing curriculum, including emphasising the importance of practising oral composition, and explains how schools can teach children to become accurate and fluent readers and writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 01 Feb

Phonics & Reading Showcase

1st Feb 9:15am - 3:15pm at Little Sutton Primary School, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL  About this event Little Sutton English Hub's DfE funded showcase events are designed to promote and share best practice in relation to the teaching of phonics and early reading, reading for pleasure, and early language.   These in-school workshops include refreshments and lunch, and are completely free of charge. There are two places available per school, one compulsory for the headteacher, the other recommended for the reading/phonics leader.   Delegates will see the teaching of early language and reading, including phonics, in the EYFS and Key Stage 1 in practice and will have the opportunity to find out about:   The importance of effective early literacy teaching, drawing on key DfE documents such as Challenge Checklist and Reading Framework Best practice in phonics and early reading How schools ensure that a love of reading is nurtured and developed The whole Hub support offer We will explain the advantages of adopting a DfE validated SSP programme and direct you to information that will help you select one that is right for your school The requirements for becoming a Hub partner school accessing intensive support   Time will be taken to: Reflect on your own school’s reading journey Develop an action plan Look at next steps in potentially accessing English Hub funding for resources, training and more in-depth support   All schools are welcome to attend the showcase, but schools meeting the target school criteria (listed on the booking site) will be prioritised.  Some schools may be eligible to receive a payment towards the cost of travel/supply cover.  Please visit the booking site for further details.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Fri 02 Feb

Teaching Challenging Texts in Years 5 and 6

2nd Feb 9:15am - 3:15pm at Little Sutton Primary School, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL About this event It is rare that teachers get the chance to work with others, exploring texts and getting to grips with the teaching opportunities they present - particularly fiction and poetry.  Built on the work of Bob Cox and James Clements, Ruth will guide teachers in thinking about how challenging and archaic texts can sometimes be the right choice when teaching upper KS2 English.  Though they may feel tricky, and even teachers have to work hard to unlock their secrets, a challenging text can act as the catalyst to children developing: the skills of interrogation, a love of words and curiosity and independence as a reader - vital qualities for dealing with the increased rigour of secondary school.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 14 Mar

Exploring Effective Pedagogies and Teaching Approaches for Reading - Year 2

14th Mar 3:45pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event In this webinar Ruth will look at all the opportunities there are to teach reading, during the school day, and how we might organise and sequence the teaching of reading in English and reading lessons.   Ruth will also explore in depth with teachers and English leaders, the varied pedagogies that can be employed to deepen young children’s understanding of text and how reading supports learners become more effective and creative writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Tue 19 Mar

Phonics & Reading Showcase

19th Mar 9:15am - 3:15pm at Little Sutton Primary School, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL  About this event Little Sutton English Hub's DfE funded showcase events are designed to promote and share best practice in relation to the teaching of phonics and early reading, reading for pleasure, and early language.   These in-school workshops include refreshments and lunch, and are completely free of charge. There are two places available per school, one compulsory for the headteacher, the other recommended for the reading/phonics leader.   Delegates will see the teaching of early language and reading, including phonics, in the EYFS and Key Stage 1 in practice and will have the opportunity to find out about:   The importance of effective early literacy teaching, drawing on key DfE documents such as Challenge Checklist and Reading Framework Best practice in phonics and early reading How schools ensure that a love of reading is nurtured and developed The whole Hub support offer We will explain the advantages of adopting a DfE validated SSP programme and direct you to information that will help you select one that is right for your school The requirements for becoming a Hub partner school accessing intensive support   Time will be taken to: Reflect on your own school’s reading journey Develop an action plan Look at next steps in potentially accessing English Hub funding for resources, training and more in-depth support   All schools are welcome to attend the showcase, but schools meeting the target school criteria (listed on the booking site) will be prioritised.  Some schools may be eligible to receive a payment towards the cost of travel/supply cover.  Please visit the booking site for further details.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Tue 16 Apr

Role of the Reading Leader

16th Apr 3:45pm-5pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Another chance to see this recorded, non-SSP-specific, webinar delivered by expert English Hub Literacy Specialist, Lamorna Ross.  Suitable for current or prospective reading leaders interested in learning more about the role of reading leader, and in acquiring supportive strategies to enhance performance.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Fri 17 May

Choosing and Using a Broad Range of Children's Literature and Developing Progressive Text Maps

17th May 9:15am - 3:15pm at Little Sutton Primary School, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL About this event A day designed for leaders and teachers alike to consider the range of reading experiences they are providing for children whether through direct instruction (English and reading lessons, books read aloud) or via the books available to the children to choose from as they develop the reading habit.  Ruth will explore fiction, non-fiction and poetry (with maybe the odd graphic novel thrown in), from contemporary and highly acclaimed authors.  As part of this day, Ruth will also look at how texts should be mapped across a year group and the whole school to ensure that the content, complexity and interest level of books are progressive, supporting learners at all stages of their reading journey.   Click here to Book  

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Thu 06 Jun

Talk Through Stories

6th Jun 10am - 4pm at Little Sutton Primary School, Worcester Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL About this event At this in-person training day, recommended for reading leaders and Reception teachers, Nick Canon will show schools how to:   use the Talk Through Stories programme to close the word gap and develop children’s love of stories; teach every activity in the Talk Through Stories programme; inspire children to care about the characters and understand the story; and choose the right books to connect with their children.   Attendees will leave with an action plan to develop storytime and teach vocabulary in their school.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 20 Jun

Exploring Effective Pedagogies and Teaching Approaches for Reading - Years 3/4

20th Jun 3:45pm-5:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Following the webinars that were delivered in the first half of this academic year which focused on how to organise/sequence reading lessons, Ruth will present a series of sessions exploring the pedagogies and teaching approaches that are appropriate for each year group, as well as exploring how reading supports learners to become more effective and creative writers.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Thu 04 Jul

Role of the Reading Leader

4th Jul 3:45pm-5pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Another chance to see this recorded, non-SSP-specific, webinar delivered by expert English Hub Literacy Specialist, Lamorna Ross.  Suitable for current or prospective reading leaders interested in learning more about the role of reading leader, and in acquiring supportive strategies to enhance performance.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
Wed 10 Jul

The Role of Governors in Supporting Phonics Implementation

10th Jul 5pm-6:15pm ONLINE WEBINAR  About this event Another chance to see this recorded webinar, delivered by expert English Hub Literacy Specialist, Lamorna Ross, and suitable for all governance professionals and senior leaders involved in governance who would like to know more about how to support their school with the implementation of excellent phonics provision.   Click here to Book  

Book Now
  • "We have come a long way and we couldn’t have done it without you."

    Elms Farm Primary School

  • "Great achievements this year as a result of the support of Little Sutton English Hub.”

    Firs Primary School

  • “Lots of practical, realistic ideas to take back to school to implement.”

    Imperial Avenue Infant School

  • “Lots of practical, realistic ideas to take back to school to implement.”

    Imperial Avenue Infant School

  • “Excited about introducing a new SSP and about the impact this will have on our children.”

    St Michael's Primary School

  • “Excited about introducing a new SSP and about the impact this will have on our children.”

    St Michael's Primary School

Little Sutton English Hub home page

Little Sutton English Hub
Little Sutton Primary School
Worcester Lane
Sutton Coldfield, B75 5NL

Contact: Janet Conway
0121 464 4494
englishhub@littlesu.bham.sch.uk
Twitter: @lsenglishhub