How do I score the Phonics Screening Check if a child says a word using a regional accent or they say certain sounds differently?

During the PSC, pupils should be scored as correct if they say words with a regional accent*, even if it is not within their usual accent.

If they have difficulties pronouncing certain sounds, for example, a pupil unable to form the ‘th’ sound who instead usually says ‘f’, they should have this scored as correct.

We always recommend you checking with the Phonics Screening Check administration guidance and the moderation team from your local authority or trust.

*accent (related to pronunciation of sounds) not to be confused with dialect (related to words/grammar/sentence structure).