Delivery modes

When setting up a Phonics Check, you will be asked to choose a delivery mode.

Online

In online mode, both teacher and student are using internet-connected devices to access the Phonics Check platform. Students can either use their own device and scan a QR code to see the words; or read the words from a screen projector or a second screen in presentation mode.

In this mode, the Phonics Check is run online and results are entered online, too.

Offline

In offline mode, the student uses a printed copy of the Phonics Check. The teacher can choose to enter results into the online platform as the student is doing the Phonics Check, or they can fill out the printed answer sheet and enter student results into the online platform later.

For offline mode, you will need to print these materials:

• Paper-based Phonics Check: print one copy per class or group of students doing the Phonics Check
• Answer sheet: print one copy per student

Communicating with families

Schools are encouraged to communicate with their families about the Phonics Check. What is the Year 1 Phonics Check? explains to families the purpose of the Phonics Check, how it is conducted and what happens afterwards.

Further reading

• The Simple View of Reading and the Year 1 Phonics Check

This document explains the Simple View of Reading. It gives teachers a framework to map student strengths and areas of need with the two key factors required for reading comprehension: word recognition (decoding) and language comprehension.

• Introduction to SSP - Module 4

In this video, Jocelyn Seamer discusses the features of an SSP approach, including key components, following a scope and sequence and choosing decodables.

• Year 1 Phonics Check test items 2020–23

Test items for the Year 1 Phonics Check were updated in January 2024. View the words used in the Phonics Check 2020-23.