Children showcasing high-quality writing and reading outcomes using evidence-informed literacy resources in a primary classroom.

On Thursday 22nd May, we returned to Mill View Primary School in Chester – one of our Flagship Schools – for a very special in-person showcase. With MAT leaders, Headteachers and English Subject Leads joining us from across the North West, the event was a vibrant celebration of what is possible when consistent, high-quality literacy teaching is embedded across a school.

This year’s event was even more exciting as it was our first in-person showcase to feature the brand-new Ready Steady Read Together resource in action – a programme designed to make whole-class shared reading easy to plan, enjoyable to teach and impactful for all learners.

We were joined by colleagues from our Consultancy, Product and Engagement Team, who offered delegates expert insights, personal support and answers to common questions on implementation, training and leadership.

A pupil explains their writing journey using a structured writing programme from EYFS to Year 6.

Poetry, Purpose and Pupil Voice

Delegates were treated to a live performance of one of the poems from our Ready Steady Read Together collection – a joyful moment that showcased not only the resource, but the confidence and enjoyment it inspires in children.

The much-loved Pupil Voice Stations returned this year, where children from each year group shared their journey through a Ready Steady Write unit – from immersive Booktalk and drama to planning, drafting and final publication. Each child was able to explain how the working wall supported their writing, how Sentence Accuracy helped them improve and why they now feel more confident as writers and readers.

“When I get to use the working wall, it reminds me what good writing sounds like and gives me ideas. I like that you can take something from the Example Text but then change it to make it your own.” – Year Four pupil

“I love reading my work to the visitors! It took lots of careful planning and editing, so it's nice to show my hard work.” – Year Five pupil

“We worked as a team to improve our writing. My partner helped me with my Sentence Accuracy and I helped her with vocabulary. It’s fun when you help each other and then you’re both proud at the end.” – Year Three pupil

Working wall display showing progression in writing skills across EYFS to Year 6 using a consistent teaching sequence.

Seeing Impact Firsthand

Attendees explored classrooms filled with beautiful displays, purposeful working walls and evidence of progression across the curriculum. From Sentence Accuracy boards to annotated Example Texts, each space reflected high expectations and the supportive structure provided by Literacy Counts resources.

Our Head of Consultancy, Claire, shared her reflections:

“It was a privilege to be back at Mill View and see, once again, the real impact Ready Steady Write and Ready Steady Read Together are having. Seeing the working walls feed directly into writing outcomes – supporting all learners, not just some – was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. I had the pleasure of speaking with leaders from several schools across the North West about how we can support their teams to make reading, writing and spelling a priority. The conversations were inspiring and the commitment from school leaders was clear. We look forward to supporting these schools.”

School leaders observing outstanding literacy teaching in action during a flagship showcase event.

From Page to Practice: A Writer’s Perspective

We were also joined by Lizzie, one of our Ready Steady Write resource writers, who reflected on seeing her work in action:

“As someone who has worked on these units from the start, it was so special to see how they have been brought to life in real classrooms. The working walls, the thoughtful planning and the beautifully published outcomes showed just how much care and creativity schools put into delivering the units. It was incredibly rewarding to see children talking confidently about their learning and taking such pride in their writing.”

A Closer Look at Spelling

This year’s event also included a session on Ready Steady Spell – our progressive, research-informed spelling programme. Delegates saw how Rule Rhymes, memory strategies and diagnostic assessments work together to support consistent spelling teaching, reduce teacher workload and close gaps in learning.

Classroom materials featuring Ready Steady Write, Spell and Read Together in a fully embedded literacy curriculum.

Leadership Voice

“The proof of the success is in the outcomes we are seeing for our disadvantaged learners. The scaffolding that the resources provided gives these children an additional advantage. These resources support staff in raising their expectations of all children and have raised engagement levels considerably in reading and writing. Thank you Literacy Counts”

-A. Gibbons, Headteacher, Mill View Primary School

A Big Thank You

We are incredibly grateful to the staff and children at Mill View Primary School for hosting us with such warmth and enthusiasm. The event was a wonderful opportunity to bring leaders together, spark ideas and share the transformative potential of a consistent, evidence-informed approach to literacy.

A primary school classroom demonstrating a whole-school approach to literacy with consistent reading, writing and spelling provision.

Not able to attend one of our flagship events this year?

We will be hosting more throughout the next academic year – make sure to follow us on social media or join our mailing list so you hear first.

Want to explore how our resources could support your school?

Book a free 1:1 call with an expert consultant to see how you can achieve results like Mill View.