Phonics Screening Check 2024⁚ Overview

The phonics screening check is a mandatory assessment for Year 1 pupils in England. It evaluates their ability to decode words using phonics skills. The check is administered to ensure children are on track with reading.

What is the Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is a short, statutory assessment administered to all Year 1 pupils in England. It serves as a vital tool to gauge how well children are progressing in phonics. The primary goal of the check is to ensure that students are developing the necessary phonics skills to become fluent readers. It involves a one-on-one assessment where children are asked to read aloud a list of , including both real words and pseudo-words. The check highlights students who require additional support to achieve the expected reading standards. This early identification allows schools to implement targeted interventions, helping children to stay on track with their reading development. It provides teachers with valuable insights into each child’s phonics proficiency, aiding in their future reading instruction. The check is not a test of overall reading ability but focuses specifically on decoding skills.

2024 Phonics Screening Check Threshold

The 2024 phonics screening check threshold was set at 32 marks out of 40. This threshold determines whether students have met the expected standard for the year.

The 2024 Pass Mark⁚ 32

The established pass mark for the 2024 phonics screening check was 32 out of a possible 40 marks. This means that a child needed to correctly read at least aloud to their teacher to meet the expected standard. This threshold has been consistent for several years, providing a reliable benchmark for assessing phonics proficiency in Year 1. The score reflects a child’s ability to decode both real and pseudo-words. A score of 32 or above indicates that a child has achieved the required level of phonics understanding for their age. This standard is applied across all schools in England, ensuring consistency in the assessment process. The purpose of the check is to identify students who may need additional support.

How the Threshold is Applied

The threshold of 32, determined as the pass mark, is applied uniformly across all participating schools. Each pupil’s raw score, reflecting the number of correctly read words, is compared directly against this threshold. If a pupil scores 32 or more, they have met the expected standard for phonics decoding. If the score is below 32, they haven’t met the expected standard and may require additional support. The application of the threshold is a straightforward process, ensuring consistent evaluation of each child’s phonics skills. Teachers use the threshold to determine which students have a strong understanding of phonics and which students need further assistance. This standard is applied regardless of school or location, ensuring fairness. The data is then collected by local authorities.

Scoring and Data Submission

Teachers score each pupil’s check based on correctly read words. Data is submitted to local authorities, usually through a designated online system. The process includes strict timelines.

Guidance for Scoring the Check

The phonics screening check requires careful scoring by teachers to ensure accuracy and fairness. Each word read correctly by the pupil counts towards their total score. Teachers must adhere to specific guidelines regarding acceptable pronunciations, particularly for pseudo-words. When scoring, all plausible alternative and regional pronunciations are acceptable. It’s crucial to distinguish between real words and pseudo-words, as the check assesses decoding skills rather than vocabulary knowledge. Teachers should check each pupil’s mark against the published threshold to determine if they have achieved the expected standard. The scoring process should be consistent across all pupils, with teachers following the official guidance provided by the Department for Education. This ensures reliable data for assessing pupils’ progress in phonics. The materials are published to help teachers and pupils become familiar with the phonics screening check. The check is designed to identify pupils who may require additional support to improve their reading skills. It is very important to score each pupil’s check accurately so that the correct support can be provided.

Data Submission Timeline and Process

The data submission for the phonics screening check is a crucial part of the assessment process. Schools are required to submit their pupils’ results to the relevant authorities within a specific timeframe. The data collection window for the 2024 phonics screening check is between June 10th and July 19th. It is essential that schools adhere to this timeline to ensure their data is included in the provisional statistics. Data received after July 19th may not be included. The Department for Education will collect the data via their COLLECT system. Schools must use their software supplier’s guidance to add the threshold information to the data collection system. There will be a limited opportunity for local authorities to submit late or corrected results. The phonics screening check is a statutory assessment, and timely data submission is important for national analysis and support planning. This process also helps in identifying trends and areas where additional support may be needed at both local and national level. The data provides a clear picture of progress.

Preparing for the Phonics Screening Check

To prepare, schools and parents can use past papers. These are valuable tools for familiarizing children with the check’s format and style. Support should be provided for students who need it.

Using Past Papers for Practice

Utilizing past phonics screening check papers is an essential strategy for preparing students. These materials provide a realistic simulation of the actual assessment, allowing children to become comfortable with the format and types of words they will encounter. By working through these practice papers, pupils can develop their phonics decoding skills, improve their speed, and build confidence. Teachers can also use past papers to identify areas where students might need extra support and focus their teaching accordingly. Moreover, familiarizing children with the structure of the check can reduce anxiety on the test day. Regular practice with previous tests allows for effective tracking of progress and highlights specific challenges, enabling teachers to tailor their lessons to the individual needs of their students. Therefore, incorporating past papers into preparation is a beneficial and crucial element.

Support for Students Who Don’t Meet the Threshold

For students who do not achieve the required threshold in the phonics screening check, schools provide additional support to ensure they catch up. This assistance may include targeted intervention programs, small group work, or one-on-one tutoring sessions. The focus is often on reinforcing foundational phonics skills and addressing individual learning gaps identified during the check. These interventions are designed to be intensive and personalized, helping students to develop their decoding abilities and improve their reading fluency. Students who do not meet the threshold in Year 1 will retake the check at the end of Year 2, allowing them another opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Schools work closely with parents to keep them informed of their child’s progress and the specific support being offered. The goal is to ensure that all students develop the necessary phonics skills to become confident and successful readers.

Key Dates and Information

The phonics screening check typically takes place in June. The 2024 threshold was published on June 24th. Data submission is required within a specific timeframe.

When the Check Takes Place

The phonics screening check for Year 1 students is administered during a specific week in June. In 2024, the check was conducted during the week commencing Monday, June 10th. Schools have a designated window to carry out the assessments. This ensures a standardized approach across all participating institutions. There is also a timetable variation week, which is when schools have some flexibility, if required. Schools carefully schedule these tests to minimize disruption to the learning environment. It is important that schools adhere to the guidelines provided by the Department of Education regarding the timing of the assessment. Proper planning ensures that all children have the opportunity to participate. The testing window allows for consistency and fair assessment practices. The administration period is a crucial time for teachers and staff to support the students.

Threshold Publication Date⁚ June 24th, 2024

The official threshold mark for the 2024 phonics screening check was released on Monday, June 24th, 2024. This date is crucial for schools and educators as it determines the expected standard for the assessment. The threshold mark is published on the GOV.UK website, ensuring it is accessible to all relevant parties. Schools do not need to wait for this date to submit their data, but they do need it to finalize results. The publication allows teachers to check the performance of each pupil against the national standard. This information is vital for identifying children who may require additional support in phonics. The announcement of the threshold is a key part of the assessment process, ensuring transparency and consistency. The date is anticipated by schools nationwide.

Additional Resources

Practice materials are available online to help prepare for the check. The National Curriculum Assessments Helpline can provide assistance. Contact them for further information and guidance on the phonics screening check.

Where to find practice materials and guidance

Numerous resources are available online to support preparation for the phonics screening check. The official government website, GOV.UK, is a primary source for guidance and past papers, offering invaluable insights into the test format and expectations. Many educational websites also provide mock screening checks and practice materials, designed to familiarize pupils with the types of words they will encounter. These materials often include both real and pseudo-words, helping children to develop their decoding abilities. Teachers can also access scoring guidance to understand how the check is marked. Websites such as Exam Ninja have created audio walkthroughs of past papers. Furthermore, local educational authorities often provide additional support and resources. Schools typically use these to help students prepare.

Contacting the National Curriculum Assessments Helpline

For any queries or clarifications regarding the phonics screening check, including administration, scoring, or data submission, the National Curriculum Assessments helpline is a valuable resource. The helpline can be reached by phone or email, providing support to teachers, school administrators, and parents. They can assist with understanding the statutory requirements for the check, clarifying the use of materials, and interpreting the guidance. The helpline can also provide specific information about the threshold and reporting requirements. It is crucial to contact them for official answers regarding the process. The helpline ensures everyone involved is fully informed about all aspects of the phonics screening check. Furthermore, they offer guidance on how to support students who may need further assistance. The contact details can be found on GOV.UK.