Guidance

Phonics screening data collection 2021: technical specification

This document defines the scope of, and business rationale for, the phonics screening check data collection 2021.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 24 December 2020
• Last updated: 16 June 2021 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Autumn term 2021 phonics screening check 2021: technical specification

PDF, 251 KB, 20 pages

Details

This specification is intended for:

• suppliers developing software for use in management information systems (MIS)
• local authorities collecting and submitting the phonics screening check data collection

It contains:

• the business rationale for the return
• changes to the 2021 return
• assessment module descriptions
• methods for importing data into local authorities’ information systems
• XML formats and messages
• validation check information

This guide must be read in conjunction with the current version of the common basic data set (CBDS).

Published 24 December 2020
Last updated 16 June 2021 + show all updates

1. 16 June 2021

   Added the 'Autumn term 2021 phonics screening check: technical specification'.

2. 25 January 2021

   Added information about the cancellation of the 2021 phonics screening check.

3. 24 December 2020

   First published.