The reading skills of disadvantaged children in Essex have seen a decline, with nearly a fifth below the overall rate for all pupils according to the Department for Education figures. In the 2023-24 school year, only 64 per cent of children eligible for free school meals in Essex reached the required standard in a national phonics check, which is conducted at the end of Year One. This percentage was slightly higher than the previous year but lower than the pre-pandemic levels in 2018-19.
While the English average for pupils eligible for free school meals saw a slight increase this year, the gap between these students and their peers is still significant. Across all pupils in Essex, 81 per cent met the required phonics standard, indicating that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are lagging behind.
Essex County Council expressed their satisfaction with the increase in the number of pupils meeting phonics standards compared to the previous year. However, they aim to see a further improvement to pre-pandemic levels. The phonics screening check is crucial in identifying students who may need additional support to enhance their decoding skills. It consists of 20 real words and 20 pseudo-words that students read aloud to the administrator.
Despite the importance of the phonics screening check, the National Association of Headteachers has raised concerns about the high-stakes nature of these tests. General Secretary Paul Whiteman believes that teachers already have a good understanding of their students’ progress through daily assessments, making the mandatory phonics check redundant for some. As a result, the association has called for these checks to be made optional to alleviate the pressure on children.
By making the phonics screening check optional, students may experience less stress and anxiety associated with standardized testing. This could potentially create a more positive learning environment and allow teachers to focus on providing tailored support to students who truly need it. Additionally, it may help reduce the achievement gap between disadvantaged students and their peers, leading to a more equitable education system in Essex.