Year 1 Phonics Screening Check: Everything Parents Need to Know

Helping Your Child Feel Confident, Prepared and Ready to Succeed

If your child is in Year 1, you may have heard their teacher talking about the Phonics Screening Check. For many parents, the thought of a test can feel worrying, but the good news is that the phonics screening check is designed to be a simple, low-pressure assessment that helps schools understand how well children are developing their early reading skills.

In this guide, we'll explain what the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is, how it works, what children can expect, and how parents can help at home. There is also a FREE resource to practice with your child.

What Is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is a short assessment taken by children in England at the end of Year 1, usually during June.

The check helps teachers assess how well children can:

• Recognise letter sounds (phonemes)

• Blend sounds together to read words

• Decode unfamiliar words using their phonics knowledge

• Apply phonics skills independently

The screening check is not designed to be stressful or intimidating. Instead, it helps schools identify children who may benefit from additional phonics support before moving into Year 2.

Why Is the Screening Check Important?

Learning to read is one of the most important skills a child develops in their early years of education.

Strong phonics skills help children:

• Read more fluently

• Build confidence when reading independently

• Access the wider curriculum

• Develop stronger spelling and writing skills

The screening check provides a snapshot of a child's decoding ability and helps teachers ensure every child has the foundations needed for future reading success.

How Does the Phonics Screening Check Work?

The check is completed one-to-one with a teacher in a quiet area of the school.

Children read a list of 40 words.

These words are split into:

• 20 real words

• 20 nonsense (alien) words

Examples of real words might include:

• shop

• bright

• storm

Examples of alien words might include:

• splog

• veem

• zarp

Children are shown pictures of friendly aliens next to the nonsense words so they understand these are not real words.

Why Are Alien Words Included?

Many parents are surprised when they hear about alien words!

The purpose of these words is to check whether children can truly decode using phonics rather than relying on memory.

For example:

A child may have memorised the word "light."

However, if they can successfully read an unfamiliar word such as "shoit," it shows they are applying their phonics knowledge rather than simply recognising a familiar word.

Alien words are a very important part of the assessment because they demonstrate a child's decoding skills.

How Is the Check Scored?

Children receive one mark for each word read correctly.

There are:

• 40 words in total

• Maximum score: 40

The government sets a pass mark each year.

In recent years, the pass mark has typically been 32 out of 40, although this can vary slightly.

Schools share results with parents at the end of the academic year.

What Happens If My Child Doesn't Pass?

There is no need to panic.

Children develop reading skills at different rates.

If a child does not meet the expected standard:

• They receive additional phonics support during Year 2.

• They retake the screening check at the end of Year 2.

Many children who do not pass in Year 1 go on to pass comfortably the following year after receiving targeted support.

The check is simply a tool to identify where extra help may be beneficial.

What Will My Child Experience During the Check?

The screening check is designed to feel relaxed and supportive.

Children will:

• Sit with a familiar teacher.

• Read words one at a time.

• Be encouraged to try their best.

• Usually complete the check in around 5–10 minutes.

Most children view it as a reading activity rather than a test.

Teachers are experienced at helping children feel comfortable and confident throughout the process.

How Can Parents Help at Home?

The best preparation is regular, enjoyable reading practice.

1. Read Little and Often

Just 10 minutes of reading each day can make a huge difference.

Focus on:

• Decodable books

• School reading books

• Phonics readers

• Short reading activities

Consistency is more important than long sessions.

2. Practise Sound Recognition

Ensure your child can quickly recognise:

• Single letter sounds

• Digraphs (two letters making one sound)

• Trigraphs (three letters making one sound)

Examples include:

• sh

• ch

• th

• ai

• ee

• oa

• igh

• ear

Quick recall helps children blend words more fluently.

3. Encourage Sounding Out

When your child encounters an unfamiliar word:

Avoid saying the word immediately.

Instead encourage them to:

1. Say each sound.

2. Blend the sounds together.

3. Read the whole word.

For example:

c – oa – t

becomes

coat

This develops independent decoding skills.

4. Practise Alien Words

Many children find nonsense words challenging because they naturally try to turn them into real words.

Try creating fun alien word games at home:

• blick

• sherp

• veem

• zarp

Turn it into a game rather than a test.

Children often enjoy pretending they are reading words from an alien planet!

5. Keep It Positive

Confidence plays a huge role in reading success.

Celebrate:

• Effort

• Progress

• Perseverance

Avoid placing too much emphasis on scores or passing.

Children who feel relaxed are often more successful readers.

Common Parent Questions

"Should I be worried if my child struggles with some sounds?"

Not at all.

Many children continue developing phonics knowledge throughout Year 1 and Year 2. Regular practice and targeted support can make a significant difference.

"Does the screening check assess comprehension?"

No.

The phonics screening check focuses purely on decoding and blending words.

Reading comprehension is assessed separately through classroom activities and ongoing teacher assessment.

"Can schools prepare children for the check?"

Yes.

Most schools regularly practise phonics skills throughout Reception and Year 1.

Children often complete activities similar to the screening check during normal phonics lessons.

"Will my child know they are taking a test?"

Often, children simply view it as another reading activity with their teacher.

Schools work hard to keep the experience positive and low-pressure.

Final Thoughts

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is designed to support children, not judge them.

Its purpose is to ensure every child develops the decoding skills needed to become a confident, successful reader.

The best way to prepare is through:

✅ Daily reading

✅ Regular phonics practice - check out our shop for sound mats

✅ Exposure to alien words - here is a FREE resource to help practice

✅ Positive encouragement

✅ Building confidence and enjoyment

Remember, the goal isn't simply to pass a test—it's to develop strong reading foundations that will support your child throughout their education and beyond.