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My child didn't pass the phonics check. What happens now?

Quick answer

If your child didn't meet the standard in the Year 1 phonics screening check, they'll take it again in June of Year 2, and the school will give them extra phonics support before then. It isn't a fail: it tells the teacher which sounds your child still needs to practise. In 2026, 82% met the standard in Year 1 and 89% by the end of Year 2.

By the TapLearn team · Updated 30 October 2026 · Facts checked 30 October 2026 · For England

What the result means

The phonics screening check asks children to read 40 words, some real and some made-up "alien" words, to see whether they can sound out and blend. Not meeting the standard (31 out of 40 in 2026) means your child is still learning some of the sounds or how to blend them. Many children get there in Year 2, especially summer-born children who were among the youngest in the class.

What happens next

  • Extra support: the school uses the check to see which sounds your child needs, and plans small-group or one-to-one phonics.
  • The retake: in June of Year 2. In 2027 the main check week is 14 to 18 June.
  • Results: the teacher shares the score in the second half of the summer term, as in Year 1.
  • If they still don't meet it: there is no third check. The school keeps teaching phonics and reading support into Year 3 for children who need it.

How you can help at home

  • Ask the teacher which sounds to practise. A short list, such as "ai, ee, igh, oa", is far more useful than general practice.
  • Read the decodable book from school every day if you can, even for five minutes. These books only use sounds your child has learned.
  • Sound out, then blend. Point to each sound in turn and say it, then run them together. Encourage your child to do this rather than guess from the picture.
  • Play with alien words. Make up silly words like "zort" or "blip" and take turns reading them. It's exactly the skill the check looks at, and children enjoy it.
  • Keep reading to them as well: stories they can't yet read themselves keep the love of books going.

When to ask for more help

If your child is still finding sounds very hard in Year 2, or you notice other difficulties with speech, hearing or attention, talk to the class teacher. They can involve the school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCo).

Questions parents ask

Is not passing the phonics check a fail?

No. It's a check, not an exam. It shows which children need more help with phonics, so the school can give it.

When is the Year 2 phonics retake in 2027?

In the week of 14 to 18 June 2027, with 21 to 25 June for children who were absent.

What is the pass mark for the phonics check?

It's called the threshold mark and is published after the check. In 2026 it was 31 out of 40; from 2012 to 2025 it was 32.

What happens if my child doesn't pass the Year 2 retake?

There's no further check. The school should keep giving phonics and reading support in Year 3.

Sources

Related guides

Written by the TapLearn team for parents and carers in England. Schools teach in different orders and ways, so your child's teacher is always the best person to ask about your child. Spotted something out of date? Please email us at [email protected].