When is the phonics check please?

[EarthboundMisfit]

It must be soon, right? Is there a specific timeframe in which schools have to do it?

Thanks.

[Sirzy]

I know Ds has his at some point next week

[Iliketeaagain]

Dd's is this week sometime, said in our school news letter.

[ListenToYourHeart]

DD has hers this week, we've not been told the day though.

The letter and school board/sign just said phonics screening week commencing 13th June.

[turquoise88]

Argh...is this something I need to know about? My DS is in Reception/Foundation Stage at Infant School. Feel panicked now I might've overlooked this!

You've got another year to wait yet

[SpaceKablooie]

So, do parents find out how their DC did afterwards?

[BlossomingBaby]

Phonics check is for Y2 children and has to be completed the week commencing 13th June. Good luck all.

[BlueChampagne]

Think DS2 did last week but he hasn't mentioned it.

[BlossomingBaby]

Should be reported on in their end of year report, stating they have either reached the expected standard or haven't reached the expected standard.

[BlueChampagne]

Phonics check is first done in Y1 but they can redo it in Y2 if necessary. First SATs are Y2.

[SaigonSaigon]

My son is in Y1 and they are doing it this week sometime

[BlossomingBaby]

Ooops - sorry, meant Y1

[Feenie]

Yes, reporting the actual score - and whether or not the score means working at the standard or working towards - is statutory.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

Year one children, not year two. They repeat it in year two if they don't pass.

I hate the phonics test and it sucks all the joy out of reading.

[EarthboundMisfit]

Thanks everyone.

[ShellyF]

Between 13th and 17th June

[LilyBolero]

I hate it too. It's so illogical. And ds3 is BORED rigid with school and in particular phonics. It's really served him badly, he is a child who needed to be inspired by books, not learning sound after sound, he's really struggled with the motivation, and is a far slower reader than his siblings who didn't do 100% phonics.

I know that's not what the theory or the stats say, but it's my anecdotal evidence. Now that he's getting some confidence with reading and can read stuff he's actually interested in, he's away, but the phonics has really affected his progress badly.

[mrz]

If it's sucking the joy out of reading there's a problem with teaching. The phonics screening check should take no more than five minutes once a year (Y1) total! If schools are spending more that's down to them not understanding the purpose.

It's very logical if you think about it a simple screening check (similar to the ones used by SENCOs and Ed Psychs) to identify those children at risk of difficulties in future in order to provide additional support early ...before they have chance to fail.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

All tests are just another way to judge teachers. To blame teachers because of a test is illogical.

[mrz]

I'm a Y1 teacher so will be administering the check today. My class don't know and certainly haven't practised for the check as that would defeat the purpose.
If schools are sucking the joy from reading preparing for the check that is poor understanding!
It isn't a test. It's screening to identify those children who need extra help

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

If that is how your school deal with the results, that's great. Most year one teachers I know are hold to account if the majority of children do not pass the test, it's not treated as a relaxes affair with no consequences.

[LumpySpacedPrincess]

relaxed even!

[mrz]

The majority of our children will pass (have in previous years without any practising). They have been taught the most effective strategy for reading any unfamiliar word within high quality stories and texts and all claim to love reading.

[EarthboundMisfit]

Our kids school does practice. Lots. Luckily my DCs quite enjoy it.