Free phonics screening check practice

How this practice matches the check

The statutory phonics screening check contains 40 words split into two sections, with 20 real words and 20 pseudo-words overall. Pseudo-words test decoding rather than memory.

• Ask the child to read each word aloud.
• Let them sound out before blending the whole word.
• Use the creature marker to show that a pseudo-word is not a real word.
• Mark the child's final reading without giving the answer.

This is independent Mindrailo practice using original words, not an official government paper. Official threshold marks can change from year to year.

Connected Year 1 phonics lessons

If pseudo-words are difficult, focus on blending unfamiliar letter patterns rather than memorising a fixed practice list.