During June, Year 1 children participate in the phonics screening check. The purpose of the phonics screening check is to confirm that all children have learned phonic decoding to an age-appropriate standard.

With some exceptions, all pupils who have reached the age of 6 by the end of the school year must take the check during that academic year. For most pupils, this will be in Year 1.

This year the check will take place between 9-13th June and will be conducted on a 1:1 basis with your child's class teacher 

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The national phonics screening check was introduced in 2012 to all Year 1 pupils. It is a short, statutory assessment to ensure that children are making sufficient progress in their phonics skills to read words and are on track to become fluent readers who can enjoy reading for pleasure and for learning.

It is designed to give teachers and parents information on how their child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.

What is in the Phonics Screening Check?

There are two sections in this 40-word check, half real words and half pseudo words. The pseudo-words will be shown to your child with a picture of an alien. Your child will read up to four words per page to their teacher, and they will probably do the check in one sitting of about 5–10 minutes.

There is an example of a phonics screening check booklet here.

What sort of check is it and is it compulsory?

It is a school-based check to make sure that your child receives any additional support promptly, should they need it. It is not a stressful situation as the teacher will be well-equipped to listen and understand your child’s level of skills. It should be an enjoyable activity for children which will take no more than 10 minutes. The check is statutory, although there are some exceptional circumstances in which the Headteacher may disapply a pupil from the check. 

What does it check?

It checks that your child can:

• Sound out and blend graphemes in order to read simple words.
• Read phonically decodable one-syllable and two-syllable words, e.g. cat, sand, windmill.
• Read a selection of nonsense words which are referred to as pseudo words.

How do we prepare pupils for the check?

Pupils learn phonics every day throughout Reception and Year 1.  Teachers assess the children on a day-to-day basis and conduct summative assessments at least every half-term. This allows them to identify gaps in pupils' learning and add in  further opportunities for pupils to consolidate their learning. During Year 1, we use previous phonics screening booklets to assess progress and pupils who are not on track at this point will receive additional booster interventions.

You can find out more information about how phonics is taught at Marlow Infants here 

What happens to the Results?

We will report your child’s results to you in your child's end of year report. The results will also be sent to the local authority and the Department for Education.