1. Phonics Screening Check
Statutory assessment for Year 1 pupils
Designed to check that pupils have learnt phonic decoding skills to an appropriate standard. (Up to and including Phase 5)

2. About the test Week 12th June 1 to 1 in a quiet room
Takes about 5 to 10 minutes
Only tests use of phonics for decoding, NOT understanding.

3. Children read aloud 40 words.
20 real words
20 pseudo ‘nonsense’ ‘alien’ words.

5. foisk f oi s k j a ck e t jacket
It will often help to ‘sound out’ a word and blend the sounds back together to read it.
Blending back is essential to score.
f oi s k
foisk
j a ck e t
jacket

6. SOUNDS MUST BE BLENDED BACK TOGETHER
Children can mark on sound buttons to help.
Can self correct
For alien words alternative plausible pronunciations allowed.
Any speech or accent differences are allowed for.
SOUNDS MUST BE BLENDED BACK TOGETHER

7. Results
After the tests schools will be informed of what the national standard will be. Last year it was 32 out of 40.
We will inform you in July as to whether your child has met or is working towards the national standard.

8. Looking ahead……..
ALL children will continue to receive phonics teaching according to their needs.
Any children who have not met reached the national standard will be rechecked next year.
In school phonics assessments are carried out every half term as usual.