New phonics retakes for year three pupils caused an increase in workload for more than three fifths of teachers, government figures have revealed. The government has announced today that 51 per cent of year three pupils reached the government’s ‘expected standard’ in a pilot of the check carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research in 282 primary schools across England last June. However, a survey of teachers carried out alongside the pilot reveals some concerns about the check, with 62 per cent reporting an increase in workload as a result. More than a third of teachers also claimed the check had had no impact on the teaching of phonics to pupils who had fallen behind. The phonics screening check was introduced in 2012 to boost pupil reading skills. Pupils are currently subjected to teacher assessment in year one, and those who fail to reach the expected standard are then tested again in year two. Last year, 81 per cent of year one pupils nationally achieved the government’s expected standard, but the figures were questioned after mark distribution data showed a steep rise around the pass mark of 32. Officials are working out how to introduce the check at year three for those who fail…http://schoolsweek.co.uk/year-3-phonics-check-trial-prompts-impact-and-workload-concerns/