The phonics screening check tests Year 1 and some Year 2 students on their ability to read 40 words, including real words and nonsense words. It consists of two sections, with words of increasing complexity from 3-4 letters to 5-6 letters. Students must read at least 32 words correctly by the end of Year 1 to meet the required threshold. The screening check aims to assess students' phonics decoding skills and knowledge of letter sounds.