The best preparation for the Phonics Screening Check looks almost exactly like normal reading practice — just a little more consistent. Here's a simple lead-up plan, what to skip, and exactly what to do on the day.
Start by finding out where your child actually is
Don't guess — spend 10 minutes running our phonics assessment you can do at home first. It tells you which specific sounds or patterns need attention, so your 6 weeks go toward the right things instead of general revision.
A simple 6-week lead-up plan
| Weeks before | Focus |
|---|---|
| 6–5 | Quick home assessment; note 2-3 specific gaps to target |
| 4–3 | 5 minutes a day on those gaps, using the phoneme map for audio |
| 2 | Add pseudo-words into the mix — a few per session, no pressure |
| 1 | Keep sessions short and easy; build confidence, not new content |
| Day before | Nothing new — a normal evening, normal bedtime |
For the pseudo-word stretch (2 weeks out), use the practice pseudo-word list sorted by pattern and the 5-minute game inside it — it's specifically designed to build comfort with made-up words without turning into drilling.
What not to do
Don't call it a "test," don't mention the pass mark to your child, don't cram new phonics patterns in the final week, and don't add extra sessions beyond your normal routine — a sudden change in routine reads as "this is a big deal" even to a 5-year-old, which is the opposite of what you want.
Fold it into your existing routine
You don't need a separate "check prep" session — swap the target sounds into your 5-minute daily phonics routine instead. Consistency across 6 weeks beats any single long session, and it keeps reading practice feeling exactly like reading practice.
The day of the check
- Normal morning, normal breakfast — no special routine.
- If your child asks, describe it as "reading time with your teacher," the same way they already do it weekly.
- Don't mention scores, pass marks, or pseudo-words by name right before — the prep is done by now.
- Afterwards, ask what they read about, not how they did — keep the focus on the words, not the result.
Whatever the result, remember it's one snapshot, not a verdict — see our full guide to the check for exactly what happens next either way.