Phonics Screening Check

Year One Phonics Screening Check

What is the phonics screening check?

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

How does the check work?

Your child will sit and will be asked to read 40 words aloud. The test normally takes a few minutes. 
The check consists of a list of 40 words, half real words and half nonsense words, the nonsense words will be shown to your child with a picture of an alien. This not only makes the check a bit more fun, but provides the children with a context for the nonsense word which is independent from any existing vocabulary they may have.