Portway Infant School
At Portway, we are determined that every child will learn to read. We learn to read for fun and finding out and we want our children to become lifelong readers with the skills they need to read fluently and with understanding. At our school, children are immersed in a book-rich environment, surrounded by staff who openly share their own love of reading with them. Every year is a year of reading for us at Portway but we are glad to be joining in on the National Year of Reading 2026.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover the joy of reading. Reading expands minds, builds confidence and fuels creativity.
Keep checking this page for new updates, links to useful websites and even a challenge or two!
We held the annual book fair from Tuesday 3rd - Thursday 5th February and it was a huge success! We raised over £1200 to spend on new books for our school. Thank you to everyone!
Last week we had a successful author visit from Chitra Soundar. She told the children all about her childhood growing up in India and how her family inspired her to become a storyteller. The Year 2 children enjoyed workshops to create stories of their own!
We will be celebrating this year’s World Book Day with a dress up day on Thursday 5th March 2026. On this day, children are invited to come to school dressed as a favourite book character. Costumes do not need to be expensive or elaborate — a simple outfit inspired by a character is absolutely fine (please see document below about costume ideas). The focus is on fun, imagination, and bringing their favourite character to life.
Thursday 5th March - World Book Day
Wednesday 12th March - Book swap (adult and children's books)
Wednesday 6th May - Visiting author Petr Horacek
The library gives you access to a vast choice of fiction and non-fiction titles, as well as thousands of free-to-download e books and audiobooks. Throughout the year the library run a range of free events so be sure to check their website to ensure you don’t miss out.
The Library can be found in the heart of the Chantry Centre.
â–º 53 Chantry St,
Andover
SP10 1LT
Every half-term, each year group has an author focus.
For Spring 2:
Year R - Nick Sharratt
Year 1 - Simon Bartram
Resources for grown ups
Resources for children