What is the Phonics Screening Check?

The phonics screening check is a quick and easy check of your child's phonic knowledge.  It helps teachers to confirm whether your child has reached the expected standard and to plan next steps for their future learning.

What are 'non-pseudo words'?

The check will contain a mix of real words and 'non-words' or 'pseudo-words' (or nonsense/alien words).  Children will be told before the check that there will be non-words that he or she will not have seen before.  The children will already be familiar with this through their phonics lessons.  Non-words are important to include because words such as 'vap' or 'jound' are new to all children.  Children cannot read the non-words by using their memory or vocabulary; they have to use their decoding skills.  This is a fair way to assess their ability to decode.

After the check

Your child's phonic standard - whether they have met the expected standard or are working towards this - will be reported to you alongside your child's annual report.  For children working towards the expected standard, further information will be provided on how to further support your child both at home and in school.

Children who did not meet the expected standard in Year 1 will retake the check in Year 2.  

Previous Phonics Screening Checks

Below are some previous checks that you can download and practise with your child: