The Phonics Screening Check is a compulsory part of the UK educational system. The purpose of it is to assess children’s phonics knowledge towards the end of Year One. This check plays a crucial role in ensuring that children develop the necessary skills to decode simple words, which is fundamental to learning how to read.

The Phonics Screening Check takes place during a planned week in June, where teaching staff assess their children’s knowledge and progress in Phonics. The format is a verbal assessment, carried out one to one between the teacher and pupil. Children are asked to read a list of 40 individual words aloud to a familiar teacher in a relaxed environment. The words include both real and nonsense words, sometimes these are referred to as ‘alien’ words. These words are identified with an imaginary creature next to it. All the words are decodable, using sounds from Phases 2-5, which are covered in Reception and Year One.

The Phonics Screening Check has been designed to help gauge children’s phonics skills rather than their ability to memorise words or use clues from pictures. Teachers keep track of correct and incorrect responses, allowing for a clear understanding of each child's phonics knowledge. This will identify whether a child needs additional support to prevent gaps in this crucial area.

After the check, parents are informed of their child's results by the end of the Summer term. For those who don’t pass the check in Year One, there’s a retake scheduled for Year Two, ensuring that every child gets the help and support they need to enhance their reading skills.

In summary, the Phonics Screening Check is a valuable tool for educators and parents. It helps to identify where children are on their reading journey and ensures they receive the necessary support to succeed.

This assessment, although mandatory, is informal and carried out within the normal school day with no time restrictions. In previous years the pass mark has been 32/40. This may be adjusted.

Why not download our Digital Phonics Screening Flashcards, print and laminate them so that sound buttons can be added to support decoding.