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.
When is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Test?
The Phonics Test is a compulsory test. It takes place the week commencing the 10th June 2024
How will this be conducted at Crestwood Park Primary School?
We, as educators, do not have any access to the Phonics Screening Check words until the morning of the first day of the Screening week in June. The test itself will be carried out by your child’s class teacher. Each child will take their test individually, on a one-to-one basis. Unfortunately they will not be given any prompts to read the word again if they have read it incorrectly. However, they will have plenty of time to attempt each word and Miss Clarke will do everything she can to put each child at ease when taking their test.
What is the pass mark?
In order to achieve expected standard your child must be able to read 32 or more of the 40 words on the screening test.
What if my child does not reach the pass-mark?
If your child does not reach the expected standard in this test please do not panic! The Year 1 Screening Check also allows teachers to assess the possible learning needs, phonic skills and/or audible discrimination presented by each child. Should your child need extra support to achieve the expected level for reading, this support will be implemented and continued throughout Year 2, so that they can take this test again at the end of Year 2.
How can I support my child at home?
As part of our Year 1 homework each week we will set homework from our phonics booster homework books. There are also practise tests below to try at home.
