What is the Phonics Screening Check?
The Phonics Screening Check is a test to assess and show how well your child can use and apply the phonics skills that they’ve learnt up to the end of Year 1. The Phonics Screening Check is also an opportunity for teachers to identify pupils who need additional help with their phonics.
Every child in Year 1 in England has to take the Phonics Screening Check. Your child will complete the check during a one-to-one sitting with either Miss. Rushmer or Miss. Palmer.
When is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check in 2023?
This year’s Phonics Screening Check will take place in the week commencing Monday 12th June. It is our intention for children to complete their screening on Tuesday 13th June.
How does the Phonics Screening Check work?
The Phonics Screening Check is defined by the DfE as “short, light-touch assessments.” During the Phonics Screening Check, children are asked to read (i.e. decode) 40 words. Most of these words are real words, but some are also pseudo-words. A pseudo-word is a fake or alien word that features strings of letters that resemble real words.
Additional information and support materials can be found here: