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Year 1 Phonics Screening
What is the Phonics Screening Check?
It's a quick check of your child's decoding skills. Your child will be asked to read 40 words - 20 are real words, 20 are known as 'alien words' (made-up words).
Why do the children read 'alien words'?
Reading alien words checks children's decoding skills and knowledge of graphemes in a fair way - it mirrors what the children have to do when they read a word that they have not read before. Your child will not have seen the alien words before. They have to use their knowledge of letters and sounds to work out how to read them.
How does the check work?
Your child will be asked to read 40 words independently. The check has been designed to not put your child under stress. It will be carried out by a member of staff who knows your child well. It should only take a few minutes to complete but there is no time limit.
Do I need to do anything to further support my child?
Continue to listen to your child read phonics books and read to them daily. Your child's teacher will let you know if any additional practice is needed. Always ask if you need any further support!
All for the love of reading
Teaching children the skills of reading will increase their will to read. Children who love reading, choose to read. Reading develops children's vocabulary, understanding of the world and empathy. A love of reading is the biggest indicator of future academic success! To develop a love of reading, children must have the skills to read, which is why we teach them using phonics.
Find out more
We've put together lots of resources to help you at home including past papers so you can practice the screening check at home and our presentation slides.
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