The Year 1 screening check

What is the screening?

Every Year 1 child in the country will be taking the statutory phonics screening check in the same week. The check is very similar to tasks the children already complete during phonics lessons.

What will the children do?

Based on last year we estimate that each check will take 4 to 9 minutes to complete. They will be asked to ‘sound out’ a word and blend the sounds together. e.g. d-o-g – dog 

The check will consist of 40 words and non-words. Children will be told if the word is a real or ‘alien’ word, with a corresponding alien image.

How will it be administered?

The class teacher will conduct all of the screening checks with the children. The children will complete the check one to one in a quiet area of the school. We are not permitted to indicate to the children at the time whether they have correctly sounded out and / or blended the word.  

And the results….?

Children will be scored against a national standard. We will inform you of whether they fall below or within this standard, and all children will receive a certificate for taking part. If your child’s score falls below the national standard they can re-take the Phonics Screening Check in year 2. 

When will it happen?

The screening will take place throughout the week beginning Monday 13th June. It has been designed so that children of all abilities will be able to take part.

How can you help?

Encourage them to use their sounds and actions to find the sound they need. Children can practise their phonics by playing games online. The children may like -  ‘poopdeck pirates’ or ‘picnic on Pluto’.