Is Your Child Ready for the Phonics Screening Check?

The phonics screening check is a short Year 1 reading assessment used in England to check whether children can decode words using phonics, which is the foundation for early reading.

Before children can fully enjoy books independently, solve word problems confidently, or develop strong comprehension skills, they first need to master the basics of reading. The phonics screening check is how schools identify where a child is in their phonics journey.

The check is not designed to be stressful - most children experience it as a simple reading activity rather than a formal test. It helps teachers see how confidently a child can read real words and nonsense words by sounding out and blending letter patterns.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for the phonics screening check, simple regular practice at home can make a big difference.  In this guide, we explain what the phonics screening check involves, when it takes place, why it matters, and how to support your child with phonics at home.

What Is the Phonics Screening Check?

The phonics screening check is a short reading assessment taken by children in Year 1 in England.

It checks whether a child can use phonics to read words accurately. The teacher works with the child individually in a calm setting, and the activity usually feels more like a reading task than a formal test.

The phonics screening check includes:

• 40 words in total

• A mix of real words and made-up words or nonsense words

• Words that assess a child’s ability to blend sounds together

Examples of words children may be asked to read include:

• shop

• train

• splog

• veem

The made-up words help teachers assess whether children can apply their phonics knowledge instead of relying on memory or guesswork.

When Does the Phonics Screening Check Take Place?

The phonics screening check usually takes place in June of Year 1.

Schools complete the check over a short period during the school day. It normally takes around 5 – 10 minutes per child.

Children who do not meet the expected standard in Year 1 receive extra support and will usually take the check again in Year 2.

Why Is the Phonics Screening Check Important?

Strong phonics knowledge is one of the foundations of confident reading.

When children can decode words quickly and accurately, they are more likely to:

• Read fluently  

• Spell more confidently  

• Understand what they read  

• Enjoy reading independently

If a child struggles to decode words, they may use so much energy sounding out each word that it becomes harder to focus on the meaning of the text. For example, a child may be able to read a sentence word by word but still not understand it fully because all their concentration is spent on decoding.

This is why secure phonics skills are so important in the early years.

Why Do Some Children Find the Phonics Screening Check Difficult?

Many children know their phonics but struggle to apply them confidently in unfamiliar words.

Some common reasons children may find the check challenging include:

• mixing up similar sounds

• forgetting digraphs and trigraphs

• guessing words instead of decoding them

• finding longer words harder to blend

• feeling nervous during one-to-one reading

Made-up words can also feel unusual at first. However, they are a normal part of the assessment and are designed to test decoding skills rather than vocabulary knowledge.

The challenge is not just knowing the sounds. It is blending them smoothly and confidently.

How Can You Help Your Child Prepare at Home?

The best preparation for the phonics screening check is simple, short regular practice.

You can help your child by:

• Reading together every day

• Revisiting phonics sounds regularly

• Encouraging sounding out

• Practising blending sounds aloud

• Playing simple word games

10 minutes of daily reading can build confidence over time. Short daily reading sessions are far more effective than occasional long sessions.

Which Phonics Sounds Should Your Child Practise Most? 

Children should feel confident recognising common phonics patterns quickly.

These may include:

• Digraphs (two letters that make one sound)  such as sh, ch, and th

• Trigraphs (three letters that make one sound) such as igh and ear

• Split digraphs (a vowel sound split by a consonant) such as a-e and i-e

• Diphthongs (a single gliding vowel) such as oy, ou, and ow.

Some children recognise these sounds during lessons but hesitate when reading independently. Repeated practice helps make these sounds more automatic.

How Can You Make Phonics Practice Fun and Engaging?

Children learn best when practice feels relaxed and enjoyable.

Try these simple phonics activities at home:

• read signs while out and about  

• play rhyming games  

• use flashcards  

• make silly made-up words together 

• spot sounds in books  

• sound out words on packaging, menus, posters etc

Keeping phonics practice playful helps reduce pressure and build confidence naturally.

How Can You Support Your Child’s Confidence?

Confidence plays a huge role in early reading success.

Children are more likely to keep trying when they feel encouraged and supported.

Try to:

• praise effort consistently

• stay patient with mistakes

• avoid pressure around scores

• celebrate small improvements  

• keep reading positive

Every child learns at a different pace. Progress matters more than perfection.

What Should Parents Remember About the Phonics Screening Check?

The phonics screening check is only one small part of your child’s reading journey.

It is designed to identify strengths and highlight where extra support may be needed.

The best preparation is usually the simplest:

• read regularly  

• practise little and often

• build confidence daily

• keep reading enjoyable

What Happens If My Child Does Not Pass the Phonics Screening Check?

If a child does not meet the expected standard in Year 1, they usually receive extra phonics support and retake the check in Year 2.

This does not mean they are a poor reader. It simply shows that they need more time and practice to secure their phonics skills.

Many children improve quickly with the right support.

At Ed Grande Tuition, we believe strong reading foundations help children succeed across every subject. With the right support and encouragement, children can approach reading with confidence and enjoyment.