Phonics Screening Workshop 17/07/2011 Phonics Screening Workshop

Phonics screening What you can do at home to help your child with their reading Websites you can visit

What is the Year 1 phonics screening check? The phonics screening check is a quick and easy check of your child’s phonics knowledge. It helps to confirm whether your child has made the expected progress in phonics/reading. The phonics screening check will be taken individually by all children in Year 1 in England. This will happen in June .It is designed to give teachers and parents information on how each child is progressing in phonics. It will help to identify whether your child needs additional support at this stage so that they do not fall behind in this vital early reading skill.

What is in the phonics screening check? There will be two sections in this 40 word check and it will assess phonics skills and knowledge learned through Reception and Year 1. Your child may have read some of the words before, while others will be completely new. Your child will read up to four words per page for their teacher and they will probably do the check in one sitting of about 5-10 minutes.

What sort of check is it and is it compulsory? It is a school-based check to make sure that your child receives any additional support promptly, should they need it. It is not a stressful situation as adults in both schools will be preparing your children and all understand your child’s level of skills. There will be a few practice words first to make sure your child understands the activity.

Is there a pass mark? The check is not about passing or failing but checking appropriate progress is being made. If children do not reach the required standard, then Key Stage 1 staff will be in touch to discuss plans and offer additional, tailored support to ensure that your child can catch up. Children progress at different speeds so not reaching the threshold score does not necessarily mean there is a serious problem. Your child will re-sit the check the following summer term.

What happens to the results? You will be informed of your child’s progress in phonics and how he or she has done in the screening check in the last half term of Year 1. If your child has found the check difficult, Year 1 staff will also tell you what support they have put in place to help him or her improve You will be asked to work closely with the academy to ensure your child passes the screening next time.

What can parents do to help? It is important that you engage with your child’s class teacher to find out if your child requires extra support at home. There are consultations at the academy this half term. It is important for you to attend. You will then be given an indication of your child’s current levels of progress and attainment and what the next steps are. Show school website

Set 2 and 3 sounds http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/resources/sound-pronunciation-guide/ Split graphemes

Visit Ruth Miskin Website http://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/resources/videos/

Download Past papers www.gov.uk/government/collections/key-stage-2-tests-past-papers#phonics-screening-check

Read bedtime stories Play a board game Visit your local library Read a recipe and cook something yummy together! Create a comfy reading space in your home. Put your child in charge of reading the grocery list at the store.

Questions If you think of a question at home please email me. nharper@arkprioryprimary.org