AIBU to ask about phonics and reading stages.

[Yournamehere007]

Just a quick one I just wanted to ask about reading. My son is 5 (August born) and is in year one.
He changed schools at the end of last year really struggling with reading and phonics. He really couldn't get it and was classed as delayed.
Queue new school and this year he is making progress which is great. In a recent phonics screening he had reached P4 whatever that is.
Do any teaching people know if this is in target for his age? I noticed it in his book today. We read each day with him and he is motivated. Im proud no matter what. Thanks

I was under the impression they don't do phonics screening until summer term and I think it's a pass/fail. They get 40 words and non words and the pass mark is 32.
The P4 could mean phase 4 phonics, there are 6 'phases', so it could just mean he is at phase 4 level.

I am not a teacher though these are just things I've heard from other parents & online!

@MrsStrongman

I was under the impression they don't do phonics screening until summer term and I think it's a pass/fail. They get 40 words and non words and the pass mark is 32. The P4 could mean phase 4 phonics, there are 6 'phases', so it could just mean he is at phase 4 level.

They don't usually but they're having to do it this term for children in Y2. But current Y1 shouldn't be screened for Gov't data collection til the summer- they might just be seeing how he's doing and P4 is phase 4 of letters and sounds?

Tes they do the phonic screening regularly to monitor progress of the child. Either way a few weeks agobhe was P3 so he is making progress. His past school were talking about an EHCP but this school don't think he needs it. Personally there is generally a more nurturing environment at the new school which he loves and responds well to. His teacher is lovely and just gets him. Im really proud because no matter what everyday he tries hard and keeps going till he gets there.

Do they do Read, Write INC? If so they are assessed every half term. Don’t know about P4 though.

Yes, if it’s linked with phonics testing then it sounds like it stands for Phase 4 of the phonics curriculum. Children ‘should’ finish Phase 4 at the end of Reception and spend all of Year 1 on Phase 5 but in reality lots of them will still be on Phase 4 in the first term of Year 1 so it sounds like he’s really catching up well.