Phonics screening check

Monday 13 September 2021

The phonics screening check determines how well a child can use the phonics skills they have learned in year 1, ensuring that they are on track to become fluent readers.

The check was cancelled by the government for year 1 children in June 2021.

In December 2021, the phonics screening check will be taken by all children in year 2 instead. Year 2 pupils who do not meet the expected standard in the autumn check will take the statutory check in June 2022, alongside year 1 pupils.

The phonics screening check contains 40 words divided into two sections. Both sections contain a mixture of real words and alien words.

The children are encouraged to add sound buttons or use phoneme fingers to read a word. Here is a video showing how we do this.

You can help your child at home by reading anything and everything!