1. Phonics screening
June 2019

2. What is the phonics screening check?
Children throughout the country will all take part in the phonics check during the same period of time, in June. Your child will go with the class teacher to read 40 words. This is to assess whether they are able to apply their phonetic knowledge to segmenting and blending words, including unfamiliar words.

3. What happens during the test?
The test contains 40 words. 20 of them real, 20 nonsense words. The test also includes 2 syllable words. Your child will sit with their teacher to read the words individually. The test takes around 10 minutes, however can be shorter or longer depending on the child.

4. Nonsense words
The test contains 40 words. 20 of them real, 20 nonsense words. The test includes an image of an alien by nonsense words so that the children know it is not a real word. They are included in the test as they are new to all pupils, testing their phonetic ability.

5. Reporting to parents
At Easter, you will receive a copy of your child’s most recent phonics assessment, along with their most recent score from a mock test. After the official screening test, the result will be included within their report in the summer term. If your child does not meet the standard, they will repeat the test in Y2.

6. How are school preparing my child?
Daily phonics lessons where the children are introduced to a new sound, recap previously taught sounds and apply it to reading a book that is matched to their ability following the Read Write Inc scheme. Y1 are regularly reading all sounds as a class throughout the day. Children are exposed to nonsense words on a daily basis, to practice applying their phonetic knowledge. We have held mock screening tests to prepare the children for what will happen on the day of a formal test.

7. How can you help? Continuing with frequent reading.
Using the phonics packs that are sent at Easter.
Using your child’s assessment to support learning at home.

8. At home resources
Phonics play.
Oxford Owl – Ebooks
Play bingo