year 1 phonics screening 2024 pdf

What is the Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is a brief assessment for Year 1 students, evaluating their ability to decode words using phonics. It consists of —20 real and 20 pseudo-words—read aloud to a teacher. This check helps identify if pupils have mastered basic phonics skills. The pseudo-words test decoding skills without relying on vocabulary. The assessment is usually conducted in June and takes about 10 minutes per child. Results help teachers and parents understand a child’s reading abilities and provide targeted support. It is a fundamental tool for ensuring children grasp essential literacy skills early on.

The Purpose of the Phonics Screening Check

The Phonics Screening Check aims to assess children’s ability to decode words using phonics skills. It helps identify pupils who may need additional support to improve their reading abilities. By evaluating both real and pseudo-words, the check ensures children can apply phonics rules effectively. This assessment supports teachers in tailoring instruction to meet individual needs. It also provides insights into school-wide phonics teaching effectiveness. The screening is a key tool for early identification of reading difficulties, enabling timely interventions. Ultimately, it helps build a strong foundation for literacy skills, ensuring children are well-prepared for future academic success. The results are used to inform teaching strategies and provide targeted support where needed.

Who is Required to Take the Phonics Screening Check?

All Year 1 pupils in England who are aged 6 by the end of the academic year are required to take the Phonics Screening Check. This includes most children in Year 1, as it is a statutory assessment. Additionally, some Year 2 pupils may also participate if they did not meet the expected standard in the previous year or were absent during the initial screening. The check is compulsory for all eligible pupils, ensuring consistent evaluation of phonics skills nationwide. Exceptions may apply for pupils with specific special educational needs, as outlined in official guidance. Parents are encouraged to consult their child’s school for detailed information regarding eligibility and exceptions.

Structure of the Phonics Screening Check

The Phonics Screening Check consists of two sections: Section 1 with 20 easier words and Section 2 with 20 harder words. Each section contains a mix of real words and pseudo-words, designed to assess phonics decoding skills effectively.

Real Words vs. Pseudo-Words

The Phonics Screening Check includes both real words and pseudo-words to assess decoding skills. Real words, like “shop,” test familiarity, while pseudo-words, like “fusp,” ensure children use phonics rather than memory. Pseudo-words often feature alien images to avoid confusion. This mix evaluates decoding proficiency, ensuring reliance on phonics rather than vocabulary. Teachers use this to identify strengths and areas needing support. The balance of real and pseudo-words ensures a fair assessment of phonics skills.

Section 1: Easier Words

Section 1 of the Phonics Screening Check contains , designed to be less challenging for Year 1 students. It includes a mix of real words and pseudo-words, with simpler phonics patterns. Real words, such as “cat” or “dog,” are familiar and test basic decoding skills. Pseudo-words, like “zorb” or “flarp,” are nonsense words that require children to apply phonics rules without relying on memory. This section is shorter and easier to build confidence and assess foundational skills. The words are carefully selected to reflect early phonics learning, such as single sounds, consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) structures, and basic digraphs. This section helps teachers identify if pupils have grasped initial phonics concepts and are ready for more complex challenges in Section 2.

Section 2: Harder Words

Section 2 of the Phonics Screening Check includes 20 more challenging words, designed to assess advanced decoding skills. This section contains a mix of real and pseudo-words, with pseudo-words being slightly harder. Real words in this section often involve more complex phonics patterns, such as trigraphs (e.g., “thr”) or vowel combinations (e.g., “ou”). Pseudo-words are designed to test children’s ability to decode unfamiliar words using phonics rules. For example, words like “splish” or “streach” require applying multiple phonics strategies. This section helps identify pupils who may need additional support or enrichment. It builds on the foundational skills assessed in Section 1, ensuring children are prepared for more complex reading in Year 2 and beyond.

Administration of the Phonics Screening Check

The Phonics Screening Check is administered in June 2024 during a specific week. It is conducted one-on-one with a teacher, lasting around 4-9 minutes. Children read , split into real and pseudo-words. If absent, the test can be taken the following week. It is a statutory assessment for all Year 1 pupils in England.

When is the Phonics Screening Check Administered?

The Phonics Screening Check for Year 1 pupils is typically administered during the week commencing June 9th, 2025, as per the latest updates. However, for the 2024 academic year, the check is scheduled to take place during the week beginning June 10th, 2024. This is a statutory assessment for all Year 1 students in England who have reached the age of 6 by the end of the school year. If a child is absent during the designated week, schools can administer the test the following week. The check is a key part of the national curriculum and is designed to assess phonics skills at the end of Year 1. It is a short, individual assessment that helps identify pupils who may need additional support in decoding skills.

How is the Phonics Screening Check Administered?

The Phonics Screening Check is administered individually to each Year 1 pupil in a one-to-one setting with a teacher. Children are asked to read aloud , consisting of 20 real words and 20 pseudo-words (nonsense words). The pseudo-words are designed to test phonics decoding skills rather than vocabulary. The check is typically completed in 4-9 minutes, with no formal time limit. Teachers assess the child’s ability to decode and blend sounds to form words. The assessment is not recorded digitally; results are based solely on the teacher’s evaluation. If a child is absent during the scheduled week, the test can be administered the following week. This method ensures a fair and supportive environment for all pupils to demonstrate their phonics skills accurately.

Time Limit and Duration

The Phonics Screening Check does not have a formal time limit, allowing children to complete it at their own pace. Typically, the assessment takes between 4 to 9 minutes per child, depending on their reading speed and confidence. The flexible timing ensures that pupils feel comfortable and are not rushed while demonstrating their phonics skills. Teachers administer the check individually, providing a supportive environment for each child. The lack of a strict time constraint helps to minimize anxiety and allows for an accurate assessment of decoding abilities. This approach ensures that all pupils, including those who may need more time, have the opportunity to showcase their skills effectively.

Preparing for the Phonics Screening Check

Effective preparation involves regular phonics practice, using past papers, and engaging in reading activities. Parents and teachers can access PDF resources and guides to support learning.

Effective Strategies for Preparation

Consistent practice with past papers and phonics games is key. Encourage daily reading aloud to build confidence. Use PDF resources, such as word lists and practice tests, to familiarize your child with the format.

Focus on blending sounds and decoding skills, as these are critical for real and pseudo-word reading. Create a fun learning environment with interactive activities like flashcards and rhyming games.

Teachers often recommend breaking practice into short sessions to maintain engagement. Regular feedback helps identify areas needing improvement. Accessing official PDF materials ensures alignment with the test format.

Parents can support learning by dedicating time each day to phonics practice, using online tools and guided reading. Collaborating with teachers ensures a structured approach to preparation.

Resources and Practice Materials

Official PDF resources for the 2024 Phonics Screening Check are available, including past papers and practice tests. These materials provide examples of real and pseudo-words, helping children familiarize themselves with the test format.

Teachers and parents can access PDF downloads of word lists, scoring guides, and pupil materials from educational websites. Practice papers from previous years, such as 2023 and 2022, are also useful for revision.

Interactive tools like flashcards and phonics games can supplement traditional practice. Schools often distribute PDF booklets with tips and activities to support learning at home. Regular use of these resources ensures children are well-prepared for the screening check.

Role of Parents in Preparation

Parents play a vital role in preparing children for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check. They can support learning by accessing PDF practice materials and past papers to familiarize their child with the test format.

Regular reading sessions at home, focusing on phonics-based books, can enhance decoding skills. Parents can also use flashcards and word games to make practice engaging.

Encouraging a positive attitude toward reading and providing a calm environment for practice helps reduce anxiety. Parents should communicate with teachers to understand their child’s progress and tailor support accordingly.

By reinforcing phonics skills and using available PDF resources, parents can help their child feel confident and prepared for the screening check.

Scoring and Results

The pass mark for the Phonics Screening Check is typically 32 out of 40. Children scoring below this threshold are retested in Year 2. Results are shared with parents, providing insights into their child’s phonics skills and identifying areas for support.

Pass Mark and Threshold

The pass mark for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is typically 32 out of 40. This means children must read at least correctly to meet the expected standard. The threshold is set to identify pupils who may need additional support in phonics. Schools use this threshold to track progress and tailor interventions. If a child scores below 32, they will be retested in Year 2. The pass mark has remained consistent since the test’s introduction, ensuring a fair and reliable measure of phonics skills. Parents receive detailed results, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Meeting the threshold is crucial for building confidence and ensuring children are well-prepared for future reading challenges.