Nursery World - Rise in children passing phonics check, but teachers' doubts remain

While the number of children passing the phonics check has increased year-on-year, teaching staff are unsure of its value.

The final report of the evaluation of the phonics screening check (PSC) shows a 16 percentage point increase on the number of pupils meeting the expected standard expected for their age, since the introduction of the check in 2012.

However, around a third of teaching staff believe that the Government puts too much emphasis on phonics, a survey suggests.

In 2012, 58 per cent of children met the expected standard, and this rose to 69 per cent in 2013 and 74 per cent in 2014.

Children take the phonics check at the end of the summer term in Year 1. It involves children sitting with a teacher they know and reading from a list of 40 words, 20 of which are 'nonsense words' to check that they are able to decode words.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included