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St Matthew’s
Church of England Academy

Together we work, play, learn and pray with Jesus

St Matthew's Church of England Academy & Nursery - please view our admissions pages for places available in Nursery, Reception and throughout the school.
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St Matthew’s
Church of England Academy

Year 1 Phonics

What is the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

The Year 1 Phonics Screening Check is a short, statutory assessment that takes place each June. It helps teachers confirm whether children are developing secure phonics skills and can use them to read words accurately.

During the check, children are asked to read 40 words aloud to their teacher. These include a mix of real words and “alien” (nonsense) words. The alien words help to check that children can apply their phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words, rather than relying on memory.

 

The screening focuses on a child’s ability to:

  • Recognise letters and the sounds they represent

  • Blend sounds together to read words

  • Decode unfamiliar words confidently

  • Apply phonics skills consistently

 

The check is carried out in a calm, one-to-one setting and usually takes only a few minutes.

The results help us to identify children who may need additional support with reading. If a child does not meet the expected standard in Year 1, they will receive extra help and can retake the check in Year 2.

 

Most importantly, the Phonics Screening Check is just one measure of reading development. We continue to support all children in developing a lifelong love of reading.

2022

 

Number of Pupils Pass NumberPass Percentage
149/14

64%

National: %

 

2023

 

Number of Pupils Pass NumberPass Percentage
66/6

100%

National: %

 

2024

 

Number of Pupils Pass NumberPass Percentage
117/11

64%

National: %

 

2025

 

Number of Pupils Pass NumberPass Percentage
116/11

55%

National: %

 

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