Free policy templates for senior leaders, heads of department and coordinators
Our free English, literacy and reading policy templates are designed to save schools from starting with a blank page. They outline aims, teaching approaches, assessment, DfE guidance, National Curriculum references, inspection requirements, interventions and wider related areas such as reading for pleasure, the National Year of Reading and Reflecting Realities. We’ve liaised with teachers, librarians, local authorities, academy trusts and our subject focus groups to put together these Word file templates that are simple to adapt.
They save time, help with statutory coverage, keep policies consistent and make things clearer for parents. They also offer practical examples and give new leaders a solid starting point. Our free policy templates cover primary and secondary school areas, including reading for pleasure, whole school literacy, school libraries, school book clubs, visiting speakers, writers & poets in residence, spelling, EAL, writing, handwriting, oracy, speaking and listening, homework, use of mobile devices for reading and use of AI in schools.
Primary School Reading Policy Template
Reading is taught from Reception to Year 6 through a straightforward plan that explains who is responsible for each element and how pupils are supported as they progress. The policy includes daily phonics, whole class reading, independent practice, and targeted help for pupils who need it. It meets statutory requirements and uses regular assessment to monitor progress. It also covers inclusion, and schools can adapt and review it each year to keep it practical and relevant.
Secondary School Reading Policy Template
Reading from Year 7 to Year 11 is taught through a whole school approach that explains staff roles, screening, assessment, subject based reading, and targeted support for pupils who need extra help. This policy also covers legal and safeguarding requirements, library provision, and routine review. Schools can adapt the document with local details and update it each year to keep it relevant and workable.
Oracy Policy Template
Spoken language is taught and practised across all year groups through planned routines that show how talk supports learning in every subject. This policy explains the roles of staff and pupils and sets out the approaches used in lessons and wider school life. It includes structured activities, clear assessment, enrichment opportunities, and the necessary legal safeguards. Schools can add local details and review the policy each year so it aligns with their needs.
Reading for Pleasure Policy Template
A daily culture of voluntary reading is built through consistent classroom and library routines, along with support for pupils who need help choosing or accessing books. This policy explains the roles of staff, governors, pupils, and families, and sits within legal and curriculum requirements. Schools can adapt the template and update it regularly so it reflects their community and current practice.
EAL Policy Template
Multilingual learners are supported to take part in school life and access the curriculum through clear routines, thoughtful induction, and regular assessment. Leaders, teachers, support staff, and families each have defined roles, with targeted help available when needed. Home languages are valued and English is taught through daily lessons and inclusive practice. The policy also meets all legal and safeguarding requirements.
School Library Policy Template
The library supports reading, research, and independent learning for all pupils through clear routines, well managed resources, and up to date collections. This policy outlines the roles of staff and governors, explains how borrowing works, and sets expectations for inclusion and safeguarding. It also covers events, information literacy, and the practical systems that keep the library running smoothly while meeting curriculum and data protection requirements.
School Book Club Policy Template
Book clubs are organised to encourage reading for pleasure, broaden pupils’ choices, and develop confident discussion. This policy explains what staff, leaders, and pupils each contribute, and sets out how groups are formed, how texts are chosen, and how accessibility and safeguarding are managed. It also covers meeting routines, straightforward record keeping, and how clubs link with the school library and curriculum to maintain clear and consistent practice.
Guest Speaker Policy Template
External speakers are invited and managed through clear procedures that enrich learning and bring fresh viewpoints into the school. This policy explains the checks and approvals required, along with expectations for supervision, safeguarding, and data protection. It defines the responsibilities of staff, leaders, and governors, and sets out how risk assessment, political balance, and safe event delivery are handled. It also includes steps to ensure inclusion and accessibility for all pupils.
Use of AI in Schools Policy Template
Artificial intelligence can support teaching, learning, and administration when it is used safely and responsibly. This policy explains how leaders, teachers, and pupils should approach AI, with clear expectations for data protection, staff training, academic integrity, and inclusion. It outlines safe use, assessment, and approved tools, and sets out how risks are identified and managed to ensure practice remains in line with UK law and guidance.
Primary School English Policy Template
Pupils learn to speak clearly, read fluently, and write accurately from Reception to Year 6 through a structured English curriculum. This policy explains the content taught, the methods used in class, and the roles of staff and leaders. It sets out how progress is assessed and how pupils, including those with SEND or EAL, are supported. It also covers approaches to phonics, reading, writing, and grammar, highlights the value of family involvement, and ensures practice meets all legal requirements.
Secondary School English Policy Template
Students develop reading, writing, and spoken language skills from Year 7 to sixth form through a structured and progressive English curriculum. This policy explains the content taught, the teaching and assessment methods used, and the roles of staff and leaders. It sets out how pupils with SEND or EAL are supported and includes guidance on disciplinary literacy, intervention, and library provision. It also meets data protection and legal requirements to ensure consistent and compliant practice.
Homework Policy Template
Homework is set and managed in a consistent way so it reinforces learning, builds independence, and supports the home–school partnership. This policy explains the roles of staff, leaders, pupils, and families, and sets out expectations for feedback, access, inclusion, workload, and legal compliance. It also describes how reading, writing, and study skills are developed across all phases and outlines the planning, support, and review processes that keep homework effective and manageable.
Handwriting Policy Template
Handwriting is taught from the Early Years to Year 6 and reinforced from the start of secondary to Key Stage 4 through clear routines and consistent practice. This policy explains the responsibilities of staff and pupils, the equipment used, and the adaptations available for left handed pupils and those with SEND. It sets out how handwriting is assessed and managed in line with data protection rules. It also links handwriting with reading and writing and aligns practice with curriculum and inspection requirements.
Spelling Policy Template
Handwriting is taught from the Early Years to Year 6 and reinforced from the start of secondary to Key Stage 4 through clear routines and consistent practice. This policy explains the responsibilities of staff and pupils, the equipment used, and the adaptations available for left handed pupils and those with SEND. It sets out how handwriting is assessed and managed in line with data protection rules. It also links handwriting with reading and writing and aligns practice with curriculum and inspection requirements.
Speaking and Listening Policy Template
Accurate and fluent spelling is taught, monitored and reinforced from the early years to Key Stage 4 through explicit instruction, regular practice, proofreading and high expectations. This policy explains the expectations for staff, pupils and families, and covers phonics, spelling rules, morphology and etymology. It sets out routines for daily practice, assessment, intervention and the use of personal spelling journals. It also links spelling with wider reading and writing development to maintain a consistent approach across the school.
Writing Policy Template
Pupils learn to write confidently and accurately from the early years to Key Stage 4 through a clear and structured approach. This policy explains curriculum design, the roles of staff and pupils, and the routines used to teach writing. It sets out how progress is assessed and how pupils with SEND or EAL are supported. It also outlines approaches for planning, modelling, editing, and writing across subjects, aligning practice with national curriculum and inspection requirements.
Writer and Poet in Residence Template
Writers and poets are invited to enrich the curriculum and strengthen reading, writing, and oracy through planned residencies. This policy explains roles, contracts, safeguarding, and inclusion, and sets expectations for planning, assessment, and evaluation. It links residency work with curriculum goals, staff development, and wider school improvement. It also ensures all activity complies with legal, data protection, and inspection requirements so programmes are delivered safely and consistently.
Use of Mobile Devices for Reading Policy Template
Personal devices may be used for reading in specific situations when clear rules are in place. This policy explains how devices can be brought in, stored, and used, and sets out the responsibilities of staff and pupils. It covers filtering, security, and equity to ensure access is fair and safe. It also supports inclusion, safeguarding, data protection, and curriculum aims for reading in a range of formats.
Useful resources
- Have a look at our extensive resources hub, containing lots of guidance, studies, research-driven activities and downloads to support reading, literacy and the teaching of English.
- Browse our teacher resources shop on Times Educational Supplement, with over 30 ready-to-go downloads to choose from.
- See our collection of free-to-download year group reading lists, library posters, IWB screensaver images and reading challenge cards.
Schools & teachers: The policy templates on this page are free to download and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC BY 4.0). Further details can be found in each policy template file. If you find our free policy templates useful, please consider sharing on social media. Thanks.
