Nick Brook, deputy general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said: “NAHT does not support the proposal the government is making when it comes to administering the phonics check in year two which just adds an unnecessary bureaucratic burden and provides no educational benefit to pupils.

“All year groups in the new academic year need to be able to move on with a curriculum which meets their needs. Teachers will, as they do every year, work with all pupils to fill any gaps in their learning, including their reading skills, to allow them to progress in their current year group.

“Government proposals mean that all Year 2 children will be expected to take a phonics test in the second half of the autumn term and schools will need to report that data to their local authority. This is entirely unnecessary. School leaders and their staff are facing unprecedented challenges as they work to recover, rebuild their school community and support pupils, parents and carers, both academically and pastorally. We must help schools to do this and not place any unnecessary obstacles in their path.”

Press and Media contacts:

Steven George
NAHT Head of Press and Media
01444 472886
07970 907730

Rose Tremlett 
Senior Press Officer 
07545 354363

Email : press.office@naht.org.uk