Research School Network: From long-term projects to bespoke briefings London South Research School supports schools across the region to embed effective, evidence-informed practice

Fluency Focus is a KS2 reading programme, designed by London South Research School with support from the Education Endowment Foundation, that takes a systematic and structured approach to teaching reading through fluency, which in turn develops comprehension.

With an EEF-funded efficacy trial currently in progress, the Fluency Focus programme has helped over 1,200 learners develop greater reading fluency. 

This programme empowers teachers to support struggling readers while advancing fluent readers to the next level. Through evidence-based methods, Fluency Focus ensures students approach texts with confidence and comprehension.

• Provides structured lessons to teach the core elements of fluency: accuracy, automaticity and prosody.
• Includes teacher training to deliver impactful sessions.
• Tailored to diverse student needs, from beginners to advanced readers.
• Offers resources to integrate fluency seamlessly into the curriculum.
• Promotes a culture of reading excellence within schools.

Fluency Focus leads to measurable improvements in student outcomes and confidence in reading. It fosters lifelong reading habits essential for academic success.

• Enhances reading fluency which develops comprehension.
• Boosts students’ engagement and enjoyment in literacy activities.
• Reduces teacher workload with pre-prepared resources.
• Supports underperforming readers to meet national standards.
• Encourages collaborative learning in classrooms.

To find out how we can support reading fluency in your context contact us now.

Developed as a two-year partnership with Southwark Diocesan Board of Education and Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Multi-Academy Trust, Deepening Reading: Developing Disciplinary Literacy enhances pupils’ reading skills, particularly their ability to engage with subject-specific texts in KS2.

The programme supports teachers in embedding strategic reading and vocabulary instruction across science, geography, and history. Literacy and subject leads receive training, planning support and template lessons in order to cascade best practices throughout their schools, ensuring disciplinary literacy becomes embedded in KS2.

• Provides evidence-informed training on subject-specific reading strategies in KS2
• Creates a community of practice, fostering collaboration between leaders
• Enhances teacher confidence and expertise in teaching reading within subjects
• Strengthens pupils’ ability to engage with and comprehend subject-specific texts
• Embeds disciplinary reading practices across KS2/3 for long-term literacy development

To benefit from training, resources and bespoke support to develop disciplinary reading in your primary school, get in touch today. 

Supported Sentences is a KS2 writing programme that helps students craft meaningful sentences and paragraphs.‍

Created by London South Research School with support from the Education Endowment Foundation, the programme offers a systematic, research-informed approach to mastering sentence craft.

This programme provides students with a structured approach to writing, equipping them with essential skills for constructing clear sentences and cohesive paragraphs.

• Offers an evidence-based approach to teaching sentence writing.
• Encourages all children to ​‘think like writers’
• Supports students at all ability levels to express their ideas effectively.
• Provides teachers with training and ready-to-use lesson plans.
• Builds students’ confidence in their writing abilities and enjoyment of writing.
• Aligns with national curriculum standards.

Supported Sentences transforms writing outcomes, preparing students for academic success and creative expression.

• Improves writing proficiency across year groups.
• Encourages independent and creative thinking in students.
• Reduces the time teachers spend creating resources.
• Enhances collaboration between students during writing tasks.
• Provides opportunity for live feedback during lessons.
• Contributes to higher achievement in literacy assessments.
• Turns writing lessons into the highlight of the week.

Express interest in Supported Sentences here.

Early Emotions is an EYFS and preschool programme that helps children recognise and regulate their emotions.‍Early Emotions equips educators with tools to foster emotional intelligence and resilience in young learners.

• A systematic approach to teaching emotional literacy and regulation
• Scripted lessons and visual resources for use in continuous provision
• Easy to embed min-lessons for preschool and EYFS providers

The programme helps schools create emotionally supportive environments, ensuring young learners thrive socially and academically.

• Improves children’s ability to manage emotions in various settings.
• Reduces behavioural challenges in the classroom.
• Builds stronger relationships between educators and students.
• Promotes positive peer interactions and collaboration.
• Supports long-term mental well-being.

Interested Early Years providers can enquire about Early Emotions here.