The Year 1 Phonics Check Explained: A Guide for Queensland Parents
Something new just landed in Queensland classrooms: the Year 1 Phonics Check.
It’s been part of the picture in other states for years, but this is Queensland’s first time rolling it out. The goal is to help teachers get a clear read on how children are tracking with their early reading skills.
If you’re a parent, you might be wondering: what exactly is this new test?
Why now? And what does it mean for my child?
It’s easy to feel like this is just one more thing to worry about.
But the phonics check isn’t about pressure or ranking. It’s a quick, simple tool that helps teachers spot reading difficulties early so they can step in with the right support.
What is the Year 1 Phonics Check?
The Year 1 phonics check is a quick one-on-one activity that your child completes with their classroom teacher.
It usually takes just five to seven minutes.
Your child will be asked to read out loud from a list of 40 words.
Some will be familiar, and some will be made-up, like blit or sheb.
Why nonsense words?
It might seem weird but these nonsense words are actually an important part of the test because they show whether your child can decode new words using what they know about sounds and letters.
Why Was It Introduced?
The Year 1 phonics check was introduced to help ensure children are on track with early reading skills before small challenges become bigger barriers. It’s part of a growing focus on early intervention and reflects what research around the world agrees is best practice: explicitly teaching phonics and checking decoding skills early.
Decoding, or the ability to sound out unfamiliar words, is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success. According to the PIRLS 2021 report, children who can confidently decode words using phonics are more likely to become strong readers later on.
And strong reading skills matter. They lay the groundwork for learning across every subject area, from maths and science to writing and problem-solving. Long term, reading confidence supports everything from further education to job readiness and everyday tasks.
That’s why this check matters. It gives teachers the chance to act early, while support is still simple and effective, so no child slips through the cracks.
What About Numeracy?
A similar numeracy check is currently in development, with plans to introduce it in Queensland from 2026.
Like the phonics check, it’s intended to provide early insight into how students are progressing and help teachers offer timely support.
While details are still being finalised, the goal is to make sure any maths challenges are picked up early, before they become long-term struggles.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
There’s no need to worry or change anything you’re already doing. The phonics check isn’t a high-stakes test. It’s a simple classroom screening activity that helps teachers understand how your child is progressing with early reading.
The results aren’t used to label or rank students. Instead, they help teachers:
spot gaps early
offer support where it’s needed
provide extra challenge if a child is ready for it.
How You Can Support Your Child at Home
There’s a lot you can do at home to help your child develop strong reading skills, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are a few simple ways to make a big difference:
Keep reading fun: share stories, laugh over silly rhymes and let your child read to you.
Celebrate effort and progress: praise them for trying again, not just getting it right.
Make reading part of everyday life: signs, menus, cereal boxes, it all counts!
And if your child finds the check difficult or shows signs of falling behind, know that support is available. Our post on What to Do If Your Child is Falling Behind is a great place to start.
When Extra Support is Needed
Sometimes, the phonics check highlights what parents were already noticing:
your child struggles with letter-sound recognition
they avoid reading or get upset during reading time
they’re trying their best, but it just isn’t clicking.
That’s where one-on-one tutoring can make all the difference. Here’s what one parent shared:
“Our daughter has loved the one-to-one time with her tutor, which has given her self confidence and the ability to enjoy phonics.”
With an experienced tutor guiding the session, your child receives calm, consistent support that’s tailored to their learning needs. More than just instruction, it’s about rebuilding confidence and making reading feel enjoyable again.
When learning feels easier, confidence grows.
And that changes everything.
The Final Word
The Year 1 Phonics Check is a positive step toward giving every child the best chance at reading success.
It’s not about ranking. It’s about catching things early, supporting children well and setting them up for long-term learning confidence.
If you’re wondering whether your child might benefit from extra support, we’d love to chat.
Our tutors are qualified primary teachers who make learning fun, achievable and personalised. Every child learns differently, and we’re here to help them thrive.
Book your free consultation call today with one of our primary teachers and let’s take the next step together.