Head teachers have threatened to put an end to the phonics reading check for all six-year-olds, if it is seen to be politically motivated and used as a weapon to attack teachers.

The controversial check will be introduced in schools next month and will be taken by all children at the end of Year 1.

Ministers believe that systematic synthetic phonics is the method proven to improve reading standards for all children, including the weakest readers.

But critics of the test, which involves children reading aloud a mixture of real and made-up words, say that it does not give a true picture of children’s reading ability or comprehension.

Just 32 per cent of the Year 1 pupils in 300 schools who took a trial run of the test last summer passed it.

Speaking at the National Association of Head Teachers conference in Harrogate at the weekend, the union's general secretary Russell Hobby said that if the phonics screening check was not used as a proper assessment the union would join forces with other teaching unions such as the National Union of Teachers to stop the test.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here