Preparing for the Phonics Screening Check

Preparing for the Phonic Screening Check 

 

What is the Phonic Screening Check?

The Phonic Screening Check (PSC) is a statutory assessment in the UK designed to evaluate how well young children apply their phonics knowledge to decode words. Administered to all Year 1 pupils, typically at age 6, the check consists of 40 words divided into two sections of 20 words. These words are a mix of real words and pseudo-words. Pseudo-words are phonically decodable but have no meaning, and are included to test a child's ability to apply phonics skills to unfamiliar words. The check assesses a child's early reading abilities by testing their knowledge of letter sounds (phonics).

Who Takes the Check?

The Phonic Screening Check is mandatory for all Year 1 pupils, and for children in Year 2 who did not meet the standard in Year 1. This ensures that every child has the opportunity to demonstrate their phonics decoding skills.

 

Steps to Success

1. Training for Staff: It’s essential that staff administering the check are well-trained. The Standards and Testing Agency provides a training video on GOV.UK, which should be completed by anyone new to administering the check, or as a refresher for those with previous experience.

 

2. Read the Administration Guidance: Headteachers and staff involved in the check should familiarise themselves with the latest administration guidance, which is typically released in late March or April. This guidance may include changes from previous years, so it is important to stay updated.
    

3. Practice Runs: Conducting a practice Phonic Screening Check with children allows both pupils and staff to familiarise themselves with the process. It provides children with an opportunity to understand what to expect during the actual check.
    

4. Focus on Accuracy: While fluency is important in regular reading, the Phonic Screening Check emphasizes accuracy. Encourage children to slow down and read carefully, as the goal is not to read quickly but to decode each word accurately.
   
   

5. Don’t Rush the Check: Schools have one week to complete the check, with the second week reserved for any children who were absent. Each check typically takes around 10 minutes per child, but there is no time limit. Schools should avoid rushing the process and ensure that each child is in the right frame of mind before completing the check.

 

Top Tips for Success

1. Analyse Data: Rather than using mock checks to identify specific graphemes to practice, use ongoing assessment data from your SSP (Systematic Synthetic Phonics) program to target areas that need further consolidation. Mock checks don't cover all potential graphemes, so focus on what is most relevant for each child and use your SSP sounds analysis grid to support you (if available).

2. Daily Phonics Practice: Phonics sessions should occur every day, with a focus on reinforcing and consolidating phonics knowledge. Follow your SSP planning, and consider adding an additional afternoon session to target specific gaps. Use opportunities throughout the day to practice reading unfamiliar words by sounding them out and blending the sounds together.
    

3. Warm-Up Before the Check: Some schools create a "holding room" for children before the screening, where a trained member of staff can lead a short review of sounds and remind children of the expectations for the check. This can include practicing real and nonsense words to help children feel prepared.
    

4. Reasonable Adjustments: If needed, schools can make reasonable adjustments for children. For example, they can change the font to one children are familiar with, use overlays to help with reading, or cut words into flashcard-like pieces. Refer to the administration guidance for more details.
    

5. Provide Interventions: Ensure that children who need extra help receive daily 1:1 interventions. If necessary, consider borrowing trained staff from other areas of the school to offer support.
    

Wensum English Hub will be running a free webinar - Preparing for the Phonic Screening Check on Tuesday 6th May at 3.45pm. Everyone is invited to attend. Sign up here