Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

As you know we are supporting your wonderful children to read and write through Phonic and English lessons every single school day as well as Reading practice sessions 3x a week.

As discussed at parents evenings, towards the end of the year, Year 1 children will be taking part in the Phonics Screening Check.

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test?

This test is rolled out nationally each year and is designed to assess your children's reading skills via 40 words, split into 2 sections. Each section consists of 10 real words and 10 pseudo-words ('alien' or 'nonsense' words). These pseudo-words are 'thrown in' because your children need to be able to use their phonic decoding skills to be able to read any word they may come across as they progress through school, whether they know it's meaning or not. This enables children to learn new words themselves by gaining an understanding through the context in which it has been placed.  

Why does my child have to take this test?

Every child across the country must and will take part in this test. The Year 1 phonics screening check is not a formal test, but a way for us to ensure that your children are making sufficient progress with their phonics skills to read words and that they are on track to become fluent readers who can enjoy reading for pleasure and for learning. We also want to ensure your children are prepared for their transition for Year 2 and the reading demands presented by the Year 2 SATs Tests. 

When is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test?

The Phonics Test is a compulsory test. It takes place in the second week of June, in the second half of Summer Term , towards the end of Year 1.

What is the pass mark?

In order to achieve expected standard your child must be able to read 32 or more of the 40 words on the screening test.

What if my child does not reach the pass-mark?

If your child does not reach the expected standard in this test please do not panic! Should your child need extra support to achieve the expected level for reading, this support will be implemented and continued throughout Year 2, so that they can take this test again at the end of Year 2.

How can I support my child at home?

As part of our homework expectations, please read with your child as much as you can at home. When reading, try and encourage your children to spot the digraphs (2 letters, 1 sound) and trigraphs (3 letters, 1 sound) as they're reading. 

Please see/download the following resources which will help you to support your child to strengthen their reading skills at home and prepare for the Phonics Screening Check.

Phonics Play

Click the picture or this link (https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/) to access the website Phonics Play. 

Here you will be able to access some free games for the children to practice their Phase 3, 4 and 5 sounds. If you click on 'resources' at the top of their website, you will find some free games available.