Phonics Screening Check
Key takeaway: The Phonics Screening Check is a short, simple reading activity that helps us see how confidently your child can use their phonics skills. It isn’t a test, and children usually enjoy showing what they can do.
What the Phonics Screening Check Is
The check takes place in June of Year 1. Your child will sit with a familiar adult and read 40 words—some real, some alien words (fun, made‑up words with pictures of aliens next to them). Alien words help us see whether children can use their phonics to read unfamiliar words, not just ones they’ve memorised.
The session is calm, friendly and takes only a few minutes.
How We Prepare Children Using Little Wandle
We teach phonics through Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised, a highly structured programme that builds strong reading foundations.
Children learn to:
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Recognise sounds (phonemes)
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Match sounds to letters (graphemes)
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Blend sounds to read words
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Segment words to spell
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Build fluency through daily practice
Little Wandle provides:
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Daily phonics lessons taught in small, consistent steps
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Fully decodable books matched exactly to your child’s secure sounds
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Regular review sessions to strengthen memory
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Keep‑up support for any child who needs extra practice
This means your child is well prepared for the Phonics Screening Check through everyday teaching—not cramming or special test practice.
Why the Check Matters
The check helps us understand:
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How confidently your child can use phonics to read
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Whether they need any extra support in Year 2
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How to tailor teaching so every child becomes a fluent reader
You will receive your child’s result and information about any next steps.
What This Means for Your Child
Most importantly, the Phonics Screening Check is nothing for children to worry about. They see it as a reading game, and we make sure it feels relaxed and positive.
Our goal is simple: Every child leaves Year 1 feeling confident, capable and excited about reading.
