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Phonics Screening Check for student understanding of letters and sounds

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    The Phonics Screening Check tells teachers whether students are developing the phonic knowledge necessary for literacy success.

    Phonics is the relationship between letters and sounds. It is vital in learning to read.

    What the Phonics Screening Check involves

    The Phonics Screen Check is for:

    • year 1 students
    • year 2 students who need to be rechecked to monitor their progress and response to targeted support
    • year 2 student who may have been absent from the check in year 1.

    Classroom teachers ask students to read up to 40 real and made-up words aloud. This happens individually in a quiet room and takes 5 to 7 minutes.

    The check is done in term 3 and updated each year. This means that students are checked with a different set of words to those used in the previous year.

    Teachers analyse the results and, if necessary, plan for any additional support students might need.

    Supporting phonics and reading at home

    Frequently reading to your child supports their learning at school. Reading a wide range of books together:

    • builds their knowledge of the world
    • helps them to develop a deeper understanding of words and language.

    Most children start school with some understanding of reading. Some can already read. Some find it more challenging. Identifying these children early allows teachers to provide targeted support, giving them the best chance to succeed in their learning.

    Support from the department

    Our department supports all government schools by providing:

    The materials are also made available to South Australian Catholic and Independent schools.

    2025 Phonics Screening Check

    The 2025 Phonics Screening Check results show 66% of students scoring at or above the expected achievement.

    For more information see the 2025 phonics screening check fact sheet (PDF 532 KB) .

    Key data and findings from previous years

    Trial evaluation

    The UK Phonics Screening Check was trialled in 56 public schools across South Australia in 2017. A total of 4,406 reception and year 1 students and 268 teachers were involved.

    The purpose of the trial was to understand the usefulness of the check for school leaders and teachers with regards to their students' phonics development.

    An independent evaluation of the trial (PDF 2 MB) (staff log in required) was conducted by the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute at Flinders University. The feedback from principals and teachers was positive and students enjoyed the 1:1 time with their teacher. Based on the trial's success, the Phonics Screening Check is now used across South Australia.

    Phonics Help Desk

    Phone: 8463 5866
    Email: phonicshelpdesk [at] sa.gov.au

    Related information