Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to their decision to administer a phonics screening check to year 2 pupils in the 2021–22 autumn term, what assessment they have made of the effects of such tests on children's mental health and wellbeing.

The purpose of the 2021 autumn phonics screening check is to ensure that year 2 pupils who require further support in decoding phonics are identified early and given that support in good time. Schools should support a culture of wellbeing amongst staff and pupils, and while assessment is a fundamental part of a child’s education, it is not meant to cause them stress or anxiety. The department trusts schools to approach the phonics screening check appropriately.

Children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing is a priority for this government. The department is continuing to help schools support children and young people’s wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak. More than £17 million of mental health funding was announced in May 2021 to improve mental health and wellbeing support in schools and colleges.