Attached is a PDF containing key information for parents about the Phonics Screening Check. Phonics Screening Check Parent Meeting Powerpoint
Below you will also find the previous years’ Phonics Screening Check booklets. Please download one booklet per week to practise at home.
When reading each word, encourage your child to:
- Look for any “special friends” (two or more letters that make one sound).
- Say the special friends.
- Fred Talk – say each sound.
- Read the word.
If your child doesn’t do this automatically, gently prompt them by saying:
“Special friends… Fred Talk… read the word.”
As they become more confident, try to reduce the prompts.
Alien (Nonsense) Words: The check includes a mixture of real words and alien (nonsense) words. These nonsense words are shown with a small alien symbol so children know the word is not real.
- Alien words are important because they help teachers assess whether children can:
- Apply phonics knowledge to unfamiliar words
- Blend sounds confidently
- Decode using phonics rather than guessing or relying on memory
Do not complete the whole booklet in one go. Section 2 is more challenging, so your child may need more modelling and support. Split digraphs (a-e, e-e, i-e, o-e, u-e) are often tricky and may require extra practice. Your child may benefit from focusing on Section 1 only or Section 2 only depending on their confidence.
If you are unsure which section is best for your child, please speak to their class teacher.
Regards
Mrs Ramanandi
Click on the links below to access the booklets
2012 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2013 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2014 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2015 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2016 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2017 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2018 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2019 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet
2022 – Phonics Screening Check Booklet