In 2023, 79% of Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check in England, but that still leaves over 1 in 5 children who didn’t.

If you’re a parent of a Year 1 child and you’ve heard whisperings of this check, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what it involves or how to help at home. You might be thinking: Do I need to teach phonics now? Should I be drilling nonsense words? What if my child doesn’t pass?

Take a breath. You’re not alone, and no, you don’t need to become a phonics teacher overnight.

But you can support your child in small, impactful ways that will not only boost phonics but help them feel calm and confident when the check rolls around.

Let’s unpack what the check actually is, what it tests, and how you can support your child’s reading journey in a way that fits into everyday life – no pressure, no overwhelm.

So, what is the Phonics Screening Check?

The Phonics Screening Check is a short, one-to-one assessment that usually takes place in June, when your child is in Year 1. It involves reading 40 words aloud to their teacher: 20 real words, and 20 alien words (also called nonsense or pseudo words).

These phonics alien words are unfamiliar and made up on purpose (like "bim" or "splone") to check if your child can apply their phonics skills to decode words they’ve never seen before.

Because there’s no context or picture clues, children can’t guess. They need to use pure blending and segmenting skills to read the words correctly. This tells teachers whether your child has mastered the foundational skills for early reading.

Why alien words?

You might be wondering: Why not just use real words? Wouldn’t that be more useful?

It’s a good question. The point of phonics alien words is to check that children aren’t memorising sight words or relying on guesswork. It gives a clearer picture of how well they can actually use phonics – especially the trickier graphemes and digraphs that come up in Phase 5.

If a child can decode a made-up word like “narp,” it shows they can apply their knowledge to any unfamiliar word – and that’s a crucial skill for becoming an independent reader.

But decoding isn’t the whole story

This is where it’s important to zoom out for a moment. Phonics is a tool. It’s an incredibly powerful one, but it’s not the whole picture of reading. It's not even how all children learn how to read, but that is a story for another day.

Sometimes, when there’s a big focus on the screening check, it can feel like it’s all about ticking boxes or passing a test. But remember: just because a child can decode a word doesn’t mean they understand it.

You could teach your child to read the word “fossil” perfectly, but if they don’t know what a fossil is, they’re not really reading – they’re just saying sounds.

That’s why it’s so important to keep comprehension and language rich conversations going alongside phonics. Picture books. Bedtime chats. Asking, “What do you think will happen next?” These little moments are what build a real reader, not just a test score.

Check out this blog: Support Your Child's Reading at Home and Build a Calm Daily Reading Routine

How to gently boost phonics at home

You don’t need a flashcard routine or a phonics workbook to help. You just need a few simple strategies you can sprinkle into everyday life.

If your child’s school has mentioned the Phonics Screening Check and you want to boost phonics gently at home, here’s what I recommend:

1. Play with alien words – but keep it fun

Use fridge magnets, post-it notes or chalk outside to create silly made-up words like “zemp” or “frub.” Ask your child if it’s a real word or a phonics alien, and get them to blend the sounds. Keep the tone playful, you’re building confidence, not drilling.

Download my free guide The Little Reading Reset that has over 50 no-prep phonics games just like this.

2. Don’t forget real books

Phonics practice is important, but it should never replace the joy of real stories. Reading picture books aloud (and letting your child choose the books) builds vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of reading that lasts far beyond Year 1.

3. Revisit tricky sounds in micro-moments

While brushing teeth or walking to the park, revisit those Phase 5 sounds like ‘ow’, ‘ie’, or ‘ea’. Ask, “Can you think of a word with the ‘ie’ sound?” Or play ‘Spot the Sound’ during dinner. These relaxed conversations do more than you think.

4. Keep praise specific

Instead of just saying “well done,” say, “I loved how you sounded out splone. You spotted that ‘spl’ blend straight away!” It helps your child understand what they’re doing well and encourages them to keep going.

What happens if my child doesn’t pass?

First, it’s not the end of the world. Children who don’t meet the expected standard will have another opportunity to take the check again in Year 2. No labels, no judgment – just another chance to show what they know.

More importantly, not passing the check doesn’t mean your child is behind or struggling. Some children just need more time, more exposure, or more confidence – and that’s okay.

As a former phonics teacher and early reading specialist, I’ve seen time and time again that with the right support, children do catch up. Especially when the learning feels light, fun, and consistent.

If you want over 99 phonics lessons that you can follow along with your child at home, check out my Phonics at Home Curriculum.

A final word from a phonics teacher (and a mum)

Yes, the screening check matters somewhat, but it’s just one small part of your child’s reading journey.

Phonics is a strong foundation and start to reading, but remember comprehension, enjoyment, and confidence matter just as much as decoding.

You’ve got this.

Check out some more of my blogs below:

Helping With Reading: How to Ease the Mental Load of Supporting Learning at Home

Less ‘Phonics Homework’, More ‘Phonics at Play Time’: Easy Phonics for Parents

Stretchy vs. Bouncy Sounds: A Simple Phonics Trick to Boost Blending and Reading Confidence