Year 1 Phonics Screening Check
The Phonics Screening Check is a statutory assessment taken by all children in Year 1, usually during June. It is designed to assess how well children are learning to decode using phonics – an essential early reading skill.
Each child completes the check individually with a teacher they know well. The check consists of 40 words – a mix of real words and 'nonsense' (pseudo) words – that your child will be asked to read aloud.
The results help teachers identify whether children are on track with their phonics knowledge or if they may benefit from some additional support. This ensures that every child can make strong progress with reading as they move through school.
For more information for parents, see:
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Phonics Screening Check: Information for Parents (gov.uk) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/phonics-screening-check-information-for-parents
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Oxford Owl: Phonics Made Easy https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/year-1-phonics-screening-check/
- Phoincs Screening Check Explained - Youtube Video
If you have any questions about the check or how to support your child at home, please speak to your child’s class teacher.
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)
In the Summer Term of Year 4, all pupils across England take part in the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) — a statutory assessment introduced by the government to assess children’s fluency in times tables up to 12 x 12.
Why is it important?
Quick recall of multiplication facts is essential for success in many areas of maths, from long multiplication to fractions and algebra. The MTC helps schools to identify which pupils may need extra support in learning these key facts as they move into Upper Key Stage 2.
What does the check involve?
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The check is taken online and consists of 25 times tables questions.
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Children will complete 3 practice questions, followed by 25 scored questions.
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They will have 6 seconds per question, with the check taking around 5 minutes to complete.
Is the check accessible to all pupils?
Yes. The MTC has been designed to be inclusive and accessible, including for children with SEND or English as an Additional Language (EAL). Schools are able to make appropriate access arrangements and use a 'try it out' area to prepare children for the format.
What do I need to do as a parent or carer?
There is no need for additional preparation at home beyond regular practice of times tables, which forms part of our usual homework. Class teachers will guide you on which times tables to focus on, just as they do with spellings.
How will results be used?
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Your child will receive a score out of 25.
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There is no pass or fail.
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Results will help the school to identify pupils who may benefit from further support.
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Scores will be shared with parents as part of the end-of-year report.
Want to know more?
You can find full government guidance for parents here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multiplication-tables-check-information-for-parents
