Data Collection

Release Note for Spring 2023 (3.80)

The annual phonics screening check data collection process covers all maintained schools and academies (including free schools) in England. Schools capture the data in an answer spreadsheet, which is then processed via the local authority, which in turn provide a .XML check file on all phonics screening checks via the DfE’s Collections Online for Learning, Education, Children and Teachers (COLLECT) system.

Access to COLLECT is via the Secure Access Portal.

The data consists of pupil level information for all year 1 pupils and those pupils in year 2 who did not meet the expected level in year 1.

The following diagram outlines the overall scope of the collection:

Collection Dates

The data is collected via the COLLECT system on the week commencing Monday 12 June 2023. Data received after this time will not be included in the provisional statistics.

There will be a limited opportunity for LAs to submit late and/or corrected results, but any late results will only feed into the National Pupil Database.

Successfully loaded data is then validated. After validation is complete, schools can view their data return, observe the validation outcomes and decide if there is any further action in response to the validations.

Phonics Screening Check Spreadsheet

For schools that cannot use their management information system to record and submit their phonics screening check results, the DfE provides a phonics screening check data collection spreadsheet. This is available on request by contacting the Data Collections Helpdesk using the data collection service request form.

Reporting to Parents/Guardians

By the end of the summer term, head teachers must report the following information to parents/guardians:

• each pupil’s phonics screening check score: 0 to 40
• an outcome for pupils who did not take the phonics screening check:
  • A – absent
  • D – did not participate
  • L – left the school
  • Q – result is affected by maladministration

Head teachers must make arrangements for parents/guardians to discuss the report with their child’s teacher, if they request it.