What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test?

This test is rolled out nationally each year and is designed to assess your children's reading skills via 40 words, split into 2 sections. Each section consists of 10 real words and 10 pseudo-words ('alien' or 'nonsense' words). These pseudo-words are 'thrown in' because your children need to be able to use their phonic decoding skills to be able to read any word they may come across as they progress through school, whether they know it's meaning or not. This enables children to learn new words themselves by gaining an understanding through the context in which it has been placed.  

Why does my child have to take this test?

Every child across the country must and will take part in this test. The Year 1 phonics screening check is not a formal test, but a way for us to ensure that your children are making sufficient progress with their phonics skills to read words and that they are on track to become fluent readers who can enjoy reading for pleasure and for learning. We also want to ensure your children are prepared for their transition for Year 2 and the reading demands presented by the Year 2 SATs Tests. 

When is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test?

The Phonics Test is a compulsory test. It takes place in the second week of June, in the second half of Summer Term , towards the end of Year 1. This year it will take place on the week beginning the 6th June 2022.