Notes for Parents and Carers
A little reassurance and guidance for parents and carers on how to support your child with phonics practice. Keep it light, keep it fun.
A Little Reassurance First
This app isn’t a “learn to read” programme… and it’s not meant to turn home into extra school.
Children learn to read through great phonics teaching in school, plus lots of talking together and regular reading (being read to counts hugely). This app is simply a small, optional way to help children feel a bit more familiar with the KS1 Phonics Screening Check format.
Think: a little confidence boost, not a big project.
If your child enjoys it, lovely. If they don’t, that’s also completely fine.
What This App Is (and Isn’t)
✓ What It Is
- A quick way to practise a few decodable words (real words and made-up “alien” words)
- A way to get used to the style of the check
- Something that can feel like a game for some children
✗ What It Isn’t
- A full phonics course
- A replacement for school teaching
- A “drill your child nightly” situation
Children are children. Some will want a little go. Some won’t. Either is normal.
The Best Ways to Support Reading (That Aren’t an App)
The most powerful things you can do at home are often the simplest:
| Talk together | About anything! Vocabulary and listening matter. |
| Read together regularly | Even if it’s just a few pages. |
| Let them see you reading | Books, recipes, messages, menus — it all counts. |
| Keep it warm and low-pressure | Reading is something we get to do, not something we have to do. |
Screen Time Note
A gentle reminder: We’re big believers in screen time in moderation, especially for young children.
If you use the app, aim for short bursts and stop while it still feels positive — think a few minutes, not a session. If it’s not helping the mood, it’s okay to skip it entirely.
Official Guidance
If you’d like to read the official information for schools about the check (how it’s administered and how it works), the Department for Education / Standards and Testing Agency publish guidance each year.
🔗 Useful link: Phonics screening check materials on GOV.UK
This is an unofficial practice app and is not affiliated with the Department for Education.