Year 1 Phonics Screening Check

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The phonics screening check is a short test taken by all children in England in Year 1. It is usually taken in June. 

The check is designed to give teachers and parents information on how your child is progressing in Phonics.

The main purpose of the check is to see which children might benefit from additional support with their phonics, so that every child gets the opportunity to master this vital early reading skill.

What is in the Phonics Screening Check?

There are two sections in this 40-word check and it assesses phonics skills and knowledge learned through Reception and Year 1. Your child will read up to four words per page with their teacher or a familiar adult and the check will take about 5–10 minutes.

What can you do to help at home?

1. Use ‘Special Friends’, ‘Fred Talk’, read the word’ to read words.
2. Practise reading sounds as frequently as you can.
3. Listen to your child read their Phonics Storybook every day.

4. Access the Helping Your Child to Read at Home page for more information.