Year 1 Phonics Screening Info
At Northfields Infants and Nursery School, the Phonics Screening Check is described by the DfE as a “short, light-touch assessment.” During the check, pupils are asked to read (decode) 40 words, which include a mix of real words and pseudo-words. A pseudo-word is an invented word that uses familiar letter patterns to help children apply their phonics skills.
We offer a variety of resources to support you and your child in the lead-up to the Phonics Screening Check. From PowerPoints and worksheets to revision booklets, we have everything needed to prepare pupils for the 2026 check.
Supporting your child’s phonics learning at home is key to developing strong reading and language skills, which are foundational for their success in school and beyond. Phonics helps children decode words, improving their reading fluency and confidence. By reinforcing the phonics work we do in school, you can help make reading practice enjoyable and engaging. Together, we can provide a supportive environment that builds essential literacy skills, helping each pupil become a confident, capable reader. We’ve created a short video which we hope you’ll find useful.
Download the Phonics Screening Guide for Parents and the Flashcards to print and use below: