January always feels like a fresh page and here at Roade English Hub it brings an exciting sense of renewed purpose. As schools look ahead to the year, there is a wonderful opportunity to place reading at the heart of everything we do. A new year reminds us that every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader and that with the right support this is something every school can help to achieve. The evidence is overwhelming and deeply motivating. Strong early reading gives children access to the entire curriculum and research shows that pupils who develop secure reading skills by the end of primary school are more likely to enjoy higher future earnings, stronger educational outcomes and better long term opportunities. Reading is also linked with improved wellbeing. Children who read regularly report higher life satisfaction and lower levels of stress and many charities working in this field highlight the calming and uplifting effects of reading for pleasure. It is remarkable that something as simple as daily reading can influence emotional health and academic success so powerfully.

Another important point is the role of book access and book ownership. Studies repeatedly show that children who have books at home are more likely to read for pleasure, read more frequently and achieve more highly. Sadly many pupils still lack this access which makes the work we do in schools even more vital. When we help families build a reading culture, we increase the life chances of the children we teach and the difference this makes can last a lifetime.

A school can only build this culture when there is a real buzz about books in everyday life. Children need to hear adults talking about the stories they love, the characters that move them and the ideas that spark their imagination. When teachers model reading for pleasure, when they share the books they are enjoying or read aloud with genuine excitement, the atmosphere shifts. Book conversations in corridors, quick recommendations during transitions and staff who speak joyfully about their reading choices help children see books as part of normal life rather than something reserved for lessons. Displays that change often, surprise book reveals, guest readers and lively discussions about new titles all contribute to a school culture where books feel alive and irresistible.

This year brings an especially exciting opportunity because the National Year of Reading is approaching and schools are encouraged to sign up and take part in its events and resources. The theme Go All In captures the spirit perfectly. This is a chance to unite communities around reading and make it a shared priority across classrooms, corridors and homes. By joining the campaign, schools gain access to ideas, inspiration and materials that help build enthusiasm across the whole year. It is a brilliant catalyst for strengthening your school’s reading culture and showing families that reading truly matters.

If schools choose to make reading their central mission in 2026 the impact will be extraordinary. Simple choices create huge change. A daily reading ritual brings predictability and comfort. Sharp and consistent phonics teaching gives every child the foundations they need. Partnerships with libraries, bookbanks and reading charities broaden access. Book drives, family reading events and celebration assemblies make reading visible. Encouraging book talk, giving children opportunities to recommend titles to one another and allowing space for genuine conversation about what they enjoy all help reading flourish.

Leadership plays a crucial role in this. When headteachers and subject leaders speak proudly about reading, when staff receive training in the Reading Framework and evidence informed phonics, when small reading wins are celebrated openly, the whole community starts to move together. A school that talks about reading with warmth and enthusiasm quickly becomes a place where every child believes reading belongs to them.

January invites us to begin again with intention and hope. If schools choose to make reading the centre of their work in 2026, they will change children’s futures in ways that reach far beyond this year. At Roade English Hub we are ready to support you on this journey and we hope you will join the movement, sign up for the National Year of Reading and commit wholeheartedly to helping every child become a reader for life.f