Supporting You Ahead of the Phonics Screening Check (PSC)

A calm, clear guide for families

Support that helps everything feel clearer.

The Phonics Screening Check takes place every June, and for many families it can feel like a milestone wrapped in mystery. This year, conversations around the check have grown louder because the government has set a new national ambition: by 2029, they want 90% of children to meet the expected standard.

This ambition has prompted schools to look closely at their early reading provision, but for families, the heart of the message remains the same: your child’s long‑term reading success matters far more than a single score.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through what’s happening nationally, what this means in schools, and how you can support your child at home in calm, simple ways that build confidence for the Phonics Screening Check and for reading beyond it.

What’s happening nationally

The government has set a new ambition for more children to meet the expected standard in the PSC over the coming years. This has sparked conversations in schools about early reading, sequencing and support, but it doesn’t change the purpose of the check itself. The PSC remains a simple look at how confidently children can blend and decode. What this means in schools

Schools are responding thoughtfully. Many are strengthening blending practice, reviewing their phonics sequencing and making sure children have regular opportunities to revisit what they’ve learned. The focus is steady, structured support, not pressure. How you can support at home Small, steady habits make the biggest difference, not long sessions or pressure. Here are the routines that help children feel confident for the PSC and build long‑term reading success. 🌱 Short blending moments Tiny bursts of blending, 2 or 3 words at a time, help children build fluency without overwhelm.

Benefit: Keeps practice light, achievable and confidence‑boosting.

Try this: Read a word on the fridge, in the car, or before bed. 🕒 Clear, predictable routines Children thrive when they know what to expect. A simple “phonics moment” at the same time each day builds security and momentum.

Benefit: Reduces resistance and helps blending become automatic.

Try this: A 5‑minute “sound‑out time” after school. 💛 Calm, consistent practice Sharing stories shows children why reading matters. It builds vocabulary, imagination and motivation, the things that make decoding meaningful.

Benefit: Children who love books are more willing to practise the skills that help them read them.

Try this: Let your child choose the bedtime book, even if it’s the same one again.

🔤 Modelling sounding‑out in everyday life When children hear adults sound out words naturally, it normalises the process and removes pressure.

Benefit: Shows children that blending is a tool, not a test.

Try this: Sound out a word on a cereal box or shopping list. You’re not alone Every child’s reading journey looks different. Whether your child is flying, finding their rhythm or needs a little extra support, you’re doing brilliantly. The PSC is one moment in a much bigger journey, and I’m here to walk it with you.

Where families get calm, clear support that actually helps.

I’ll be sharing more support, examples and simple modelling over in our Facebook community. You’ll find helpful reels, blending videos and parent‑friendly explanations so you can feel clear and confident as we move through PSC season together. 👉 Join our Facebook community for calm, parent‑friendly guidance.

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