Union hits out over ‘nonsense’ words test

The test asks six-year-olds to read out 40 words – some of which are not real – in order to check their ability to “decode” sounds from letters on a page.

The national assessment, which was introduced last year, is aimed at identifying pupils at an early age who need help reading.

However, the National Association of Head Teachers says the test does not help children learn. Its general secretary, Russell Hobby, said: “The systematic use of phonics is essential in teaching young children to read, which is why most primary schools use it as part of a range of approaches.

“However, we need to distinguish between teaching phonics – which is critical – and having a poorly designed test which does nothing to aid learning. The screening check does not measure reading ability and does not give useful information to teachers or parents.

“Worse still, the screening check is now forcing schools to teach children nonsense words in order to prepare them for the confusion of the check. Is this the lesson we really want our children to learn: that some words have no meaning?

“It seems to us that the search for meaning is at the heart of the love of reading. Schools will be spending time and money administering the check this week, resources which could be far better spent simply reading a good book.”

A Department for Education spokeswoman said: “Too many children are not reaching the expected levels of reading at a young age, do not catch up, and then struggle in secondary school and beyond.

“The phonics check is based on an internationally proven method and will ensure children struggling with reading get the help they desperately need.”

She said the test identified more than 235,000 six-year-olds who were behind on reading last year.