Guidance

Phonics screening data collection: technical specification

Specification for software suppliers and local authorities preparing for the phonics screening check data collection 2024.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 31 January 2023
• Last updated: 26 April 2024 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

Phonics screening check 2024: technical specification

PDF, 465 KB, 26 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 2024 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 31 January 2023
Last updated 26 April 2024 + show all updates

1. 26 April 2024

   Technical specification updated for 2024.

2. 8 June 2023

   The technical specification has been updated. Full details of the changes can be found in the version history.

3. 31 January 2023

   First published.