Preparing for the Phonics Screening Check

13 Apr 26
As we head into the final stretch with our Year 1 classes (and some Year 2 pupils), the Phonics Screening Check is
starting to feel very real. This year, it takes place in the week commencing 8th June—and while it’s an important
milestone, it shouldn’t feel like a stressful one.
The check is simply a snapshot of children’s decoding skills. More than anything, it reflects the day-to-day phonics
teaching you’ve been doing all year. So rather than last-minute cramming, it’s about sticking to what works: consistent
practice, clear routines, and a calm approach.

What is the check really about?
The check is all about decoding—reading real and pseudo (alien) words using phonics. It’s not about comprehension
or vocabulary.

Before you get started, just make sure you’re clear on:

  • How the check is structured
  • The guidance for administering it
  • How to score it
  • What counts as an acceptable pronunciation

Don’t skip the training video!
It’s really worth taking the time to watch the official video:
youtube.com/watch?v=W3ImrUwhzHc&feature=youtu.be

Setting up your space
Where you do the check matters more than you might think.

Try to:

  • Find a quiet, distraction-free space
  • Use somewhere familiar if possible
  • Make sure it’s comfortable and well-lit
  • Sit side-by-side or at an angle (less intimidating than face-to-face)
  • A calm space helps children stay relaxed and focused.

Getting children ready (without the pressure!)
The best prep? Just keep doing what you’ve been doing well.

Focus on:

  • Daily phonics sessions and revisiting GPCs
  • Helping children become quicker and more confident with blending
  • Regular practice with pseudo words so they’re not a surprise
  • Giving extra support to those who need it
  • No need to overthink it—good teaching is the preparation.

In the last few weeks...
• Stick to your usual phonics routine
• Avoid lots of mock checks
• Go over tricky sounds and common errors
• Keep things fun and engaging
• Confidence comes from familiarity—not pressure.

After the check? This bit is really important: don’t stop teaching phonics. The phonics journey does not end with
the screening check. Continue teaching your phonics programme until the end of the year.

  • The check isn’t the end point.

Keep going because:

  • Some children will still need support
  • Fluency takes time to build
  • Phonics feeds directly into spelling and writing

Supporting those who need a bit more - For some children, it just takes longer—and that’s okay. You can help by:

  • Keeping sessions short and focused 
  • Celebrating the small wins
  • Giving lots of chances to practise
  • Keeping things consistent across lessons and interventions

The phonics screening check shouldn’t feel like a big, scary event. If you’ve been teaching phonics consistently all year,
you’ve already done the hard work.

Reading for Pleasure Checklist Summer 1