Year One Phonics Screening Check

What is The Phonics Screening Check?

Year One children in state schools are tested on their phonics knowledge by being asked to read forty words out loud. Half of the words are real words and the other half are ‘alien words.’ All of the words can be sounded out using phonics sounds. Children are told when they are reading real words or ‘alien words’ such as vay or quish.

When does it happen?

Children will be tested at some point between Monday 11^th June and Friday 15^th June. Any children absent during that week can be tested the week after.

Will my child be aware of the check?

Schools try their best to keep the check very low key. Most children will be unaware that they are being tested. They are likely to be asked to go to a quiet area with a teacher that they know and read some words. Year One children all over the country will already have been doing this for the last few months as part of preparations for the check.

What’s the pass mark?

For the past few years, the expected standard to pass the check has been a score of 32 or more out of 40. The government may change this threshold mark. Schools will find out what this year’s threshold is on 25^th June.

When will I know my child’s results?

Head teachers have a duty to report individual scores to their parents by the end of the summer term. Most schools inform parents of their child’s results in the school reports.

What if my child doesn’t pass the check?

The test is designed to identify children who have difficulties decoding words using phonics and are not where they should be for their age. Every child is different but, if your child doesn’t meet the required standard, this could mean that they are struggling with their reading.

Schools are expected to give specific support to children who do not meet the expected standard and tell the parents what this support is. Children then have to be considered for a retest in Year 2.

Does every child in a state school have to take the check?

No, but they have to be considered for it. There are different reasons that children may not take the check. For example, children who are selective mutes or children who have recently moved to the UK and are unable to understand English letters and sounds. Schools should inform parents if their child is not taking the check and explain why this is the case.