Phonics Screening Check 2016 St John Fisher Catholic Primary School Information session for parents

What is phonics? Phonics is a way of teaching children the skills to read quickly and to spell words. They are taught how to: recognise the sounds that each individual letter makes; identify the sounds that different combinations of letters make - such as ‘sh’ or ‘oo’; and blend these sounds together from left to right to make a word. Children can then use this knowledge to ‘de-code’ new words that they hear or see. This is the first important step in learning to read.

Why phonics? Research shows that when phonics is taught in a structured way - starting with the easiest sounds and progressing through to the most complex – it is the most effective way of teaching young children to read. It is particularly helpful for children aged 5–7. Almost all children who receive good teaching of phonics will learn the skills they need to tackle new words. They can then go on to read any kind of text fluently and confidently, and to read for enjoyment.

Phonics in school Read Write Inc phonics – recognised by the Department for Education. All staff were fully trained at the beginning of the year with ongoing training and support from RWI trainer. Taught and assessed through bands A – J. Pupils are assessed informally in daily phonics sessions and formally every 6 weeks by the Read Write Inc reading leader. Phonics groups are led by the assessments so that each child it working a level that is right for them. 6 week rotation of Read Write Inc teachers.

What is the Phonics screening check? The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory check of your child’s phonics knowledge. It helps the DfE to confirm whether children have made the expected progress. In 2016 the check will take place during the week commencing Monday 13th June.

How does the check work? Your child will sit with their class teacher and be asked to read 40 words aloud. Your child may have read some of the words before as they are real, while others will be completely new as these are known as “alien” words. The check normally takes just a few minutes to complete and there is no time limit. If your child is struggling, their teacher will stop the check. The check is carefully designed not to be stressful for your child. If your child needs a break, the class teacher will allow for this within the check environment. The children know the environment where the check will take place and will have already had a go using similar materials.

Structure of the screening check The screening check has previously contained 40 words divided into two sections of 20 words. Both sections contain a mixture of real words and alien words (non-words). Section 1 Page1Fouralien words Page2Fouralien words Page3Fouralien words Page4Fourrealwords Page5Fourrealwords Section 2 Page6Fouralien words Page7Fouralien words Page8Fourrealwords Page9Fourrealwords Page10Fourrealwords

What are “non-words” or “alien words”? The check will contain a mix of real words and ‘non-words’ (or alien words). Your child will be told before the check that there will be alien that they will not have seen before. All children are familiar with this because we already use alien words when we teach phonics. These will be presented with an alien next to them in the check. Alien words are important to include because words such as ‘vap’ or ‘jound’ are new to all children. Children cannot read the non-words by using their memory or vocabulary; they have to use their phonic decoding skills. This is a fair way to assess their ability to decode.

The alien are presented alongside a picture of an imaginary creature, and children can be told the non-word is the name of that type of creature. This helps children to understand the non-word should not be matched to their existing vocabulary.

What is the threshold to meet the standard in 2016? The threshold has previously been 32 words out of 40. Will the standard be the same in June 2016? The threshold for 2016 will be included within the screening check materials which will remain secure until the start of the check week (13th June 2016). The threshold will ensure standards are maintained over time. After the check We will inform you of your child’s screening check result in the last half-term of Year 1.

Supporting your child at home in preparation for the Phonics Screening Check You will have by now received a letter and some words to take home. Each week a set of real words and alien words will be sent home. These are not words to memorise, these are simply to familiarise your child with the materials and how the words will be presented in the check. Please help your child in learning that words with a picture are not real (children get stuck when they try to make sense of these alien words!).

Helping your child with phonics Phonics works best when children are given plenty of encouragement and learn to enjoy reading and books. Parents play a very important part in helping with this. Some simple steps to help your child learn to read through phonics: Highlight different sounds when you read with your child. With all books, encourage your child to ‘sound out’ unfamiliar words and then blend the sounds together from left to right rather than looking at the pictures to guess. Once your child has read an unfamiliar word you can talk about what it means and help him or her to follow the story. Try to make time to read with your child every day. Grandparents and older brothers or sisters can help, too. Encourage your child to blend the sounds all the way through a word. Word games like ‘I-spy’ can also be an enjoyable way of teaching children about sounds and letters. You can also encourage your child to read words from your shopping list or road signs to practise phonics.