Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Phonics Screening Check?

It’s a short, low-key check that happens towards the end of Year 1. Children read 40 words aloud to their teacher — some real, some made-up — just to see how they’re getting on with phonics.

The important bit: It’s one small snapshot. It doesn’t define your child, and it doesn’t need to become a big thing at home.

🔗 Official info: Administration guidance on GOV.UK

Why the “alien words”?

The made-up words (sometimes called “pseudo-words”) are there to check that children can sound out unfamiliar words — not just recognise ones they’ve seen before.

In the real check, these come with a little alien picture so children know it’s fine if they don’t recognise it. They just need to have a go at sounding it out.

🔗 See examples: Phonics screening check materials on GOV.UK

When should we use this app?

We’d suggest waiting until the Summer term of Year 1, when schools are usually gearing up for the check and your child will have covered more of the sounds.

Not sure what’s right for your child? Have a chat with their teacher — they’ll know what’s been covered and what might actually help.

Which mode should we pick?

This app is meant to be light and confidence-building, not intense. Here’s a simple guide:

A gentle progression: Start with short sets of Real Words, then Alien Words, then maybe the full check occasionally — only if they’re keen.

What settings work best?

Phase filter

• If you know what phase your child is working on, pick that.
• If you’re not sure, start on Phase 2 and work upwards.
• If they’re getting lots wrong, it might be sounds they haven’t learnt yet. Drop the phase down or pause for now.

Roughly speaking: Most children cover Phase 2–3 by the end of Reception, then work through Phase 4–5 in Year 1. But every school is different — their teacher will know best.

Number of words

• 10 is usually perfect. Quick, positive, done.
• 20 if they’re enjoying it.
• 30 or 50 only if they really want more. Longer isn’t automatically better.

Reveal mode

• On if your child feels “tested” easily, or you want it to feel more together.
• Off if they prefer “have a go first, then check”.

What if they keep getting words wrong?

First off — that’s totally normal sometimes.

A useful question: have they actually been taught these sounds yet?

If you’re not sure, it might not be the right moment for this app. You could also try adjusting the phase or word count to match what they’ve covered.

Got any worries? Chat to their teacher. They know your child best.

And if it’s getting frustrating — just stop. Confidence matters more than pushing through.

Should we focus on scores?

Nope. This app is about familiarity and confidence, not pressure.

The best things you can do at home are still:

• Chatting together (about anything!)
• Building a love of reading
• Letting them see you read (books, recipes, menus — it all counts)

What about screen time?

Honestly? If you’re choosing between this app and a book, pick the book.

This app works best as a tiny, together moment — and only if it feels helpful. It shouldn’t replace stories, chatting, play, or sleep.

If it starts feeling tense or “testy”, that’s your cue to close it and do something else instead.

Is this app official?

No. This is an unofficial practice app. It’s not affiliated with the Department for Education.

For official resources, head to GOV.UK:

• Phonics screening check materials
• Administration guidance

Why is the web version free?

We wanted it to be as accessible as possible.

We’re also working on paid mobile app versions with some extra features — but we’ll keep them affordable.