Entering and exporting Phonics Screening Check (PSC) scores

Updated 4 days ago by Darren Cole

Entering Phonics Scores

If you import pupils and data into Insight via a CTF from your MIS, Insight will automatically import any historical Phonics screening check data held there.

Insight imports these assessments under the subject Phonics.

The score is imported using the assessment name Main Assessment and the mark scheme Phonics Scores (0-40).

The outcome is imported using the assessment name Outcome and the mark scheme Phonics Outcome.

When it comes to entering the results of new Phonics screening checks, it's best to follow the same structure above. This means you'll be able to export your Phonics data back into your MIS, and then onto the LA.

Entering Phonics Scores

To enter this year's Phonics Screening Check scores, go to Enter Data > Statutory Assessments

You'll see a link for Phonics Screening Check. This is for both Year One and Year Two Recheck entry.

On this screen you'll see your current Year One pupils and also your current Year Two pupils, for any that require a recheck score entered.

If you only want to enter data for one year group, you can use the filter at the top of the screen to choose.

Enter the phonics check score (0-40) for each pupil.

For pupils who did not take the check enter one of the following codes:

Mark	Description
A	Absent
D	Disapplied
L	Pupil has left the school
Q	Maladministration

In accordance with DfE reporting, Insight will treat the codes as follows in reports: D, A, Q will be considered as Below. L codes will be excluded from the denominator for overall calculations.

When entering recheck scores for any year two pupils, the values entered in year one will be displayed. Any pupils with a pass mark in year one will have their year two entry disabled, as it is not required.

Using the tab key will move between entry cells, skipping any disabled ones to improve data entry speed.

Entering Phonics Outcomes

You don't need to enter the outcome as well, since Insight will evaluate pupils' scores based on the pass mark. You should be able to carry out all the analysis needed using the scores alone.

Exporting Phonics data

Insight can create a datafile, known as a Common Transfer File (CTF), which contains all the statutory Phonics check data you need to return the data to your local authority.

Some local authorities request a single file, containing both Year 1 and Year 2 (recheck) pupils. This is the default, but you can use the Year Group filter if you need to create separate files for each year group.

If you want to create an export for a previous academic year, for example if you want an export for your year 2 pupils as if they were still in year 1, just change the Show pupils from year as required.

Click Download CTF

You will then be presented with two options for the destination of the file:

Destination

Description

School's MIS

Import this CTF into your MIS to create a statutory data return from there, and to ensure your MIS has all statutory assessments recorded.

Follow the guidance provided by your MIS to perform this task.

Local Authority

Send this CTF directly to your Local Authority, often via the DfE School to School (S2S) website. Follow their guidance about how they want to collect the data. Some LAs may require you to use certain software to create the data return.

Click Download for the desired option.

Then follow the appropriate external guidance on how to use the file.

The files are very similar but have small differences to enable the receiving systems to understand them. This includes the filename, which should not be changed. Changing the filename can cause the subsequent import to fail.

Reporting Phonics data to parents

Once your data's in Insight, you can generate a simple Phonics Screening Check report for parents by going to Reports > Parent Reports then choose the Phonics template.

Useful external links

Assessment and reporting arrangements (phonics screening check) - Statutory guidance for assessments in Key Stage One