The Calder Learning Trust

Phonics Screening Check

The Phonics Screening Check takes place in June each year. The purpose of it is to confrm that all children have learned phonic decoding to an age appropriate standard. 

With some exceptions, all pupils who have reached the age of 6 by the end of the school year must take the check during that academic year. For most pupils, this will be in Year 1.  

There is a useful guide for Parents/Carers which gives you more information about the check and what to expect: 

Parent Guide to The Phonics Check 

You can find all the past Phonics Check papers on the government website:

   DfE website-Phonics

There are also some practice papers available below.

Our top tips are:

• Take your time to sound out and blend each word - so it doesn't catch you out!
• Your child can draw on sound buttons if this helps them to sound out and blend the words e.g. 
• If you see a picture of an alien - then it is an alien word (made up word). Always sound out and blend these, as they can be very similar to real words and can catch you out!
• Practice little and often to help you feel confident with what to expect and how to show off your amazing phonics skills!
• If your child needs some encouragement or support, make it fun! You could write the words in chalk and ask you child to run around and find the one you say. When they find it and say it, then can squirt it with a water pistol! There are some fun games ideas here: https://fiveminutemum.com/games-and-activities/play/schoolkids