The Phonics Screening Check is a short, statutory assessment that takes place in Year 1. It is designed to help teachers understand how well children are developing their phonics skills—specifically their ability to decode words using their knowledge of sounds.

During the check, children are asked to read a mixture of real and “nonsense” (alien) words. These made-up words ensure that children are relying on their phonics knowledge rather than memory.

Children are assessed termly to monitor their progress in phonics. Based on these assessments, some pupils may be placed into focused intervention groups to provide additional support and help them successfully achieve the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check.

We support all pupils in developing confidence and fluency in reading through daily phonics teaching, and we encourage families to play an active role at home. Parents and carers are also invited to attend phonics workshops, where we share strategies and practical ideas to help support learning at home.

We have also made past Phonics Screening Check papers available on our website for families to access and use at home. These resources can be a valuable way to familiarise children with the format of the check and to support regular practice.

💡 Tips for using these at home:
Try to practise a little each day to build confidence with sounds and word reading. You can also mix game-based activities with reading real books to help your child apply their phonics knowledge in context.

Please ask your child’s teacher if you would like guidance on how best to use these materials at home.