Identify risk early. Understand why. Support before difficulties begin.

Dys-Code®3 is an established early screening tool used within Speech Sound Play to identify children who may be at risk of later reading and spelling difficulties. Through UKRI-funded innovation, we are now digitising Dys-Code®3 so that early screening and targeted support can be delivered at scale. Our aim is to identify children at risk when they turn three, before they begin formal literacy instruction, rather than waiting until difficulties become apparent in the classroom.

It is designed to screen children when they turn three, identifying difficulties with the speech sound processing skills that underpin later reading and spelling development.

Our aim is to identify children who may be at risk of dyslexia and other literacy difficulties before they begin learning letters and sounds, so that targeted support can be provided upstream.  Most synthetic phonics programmes begin by introducing the graphemes ‹s› ‹a› ‹t› ‹p› ‹i› ‹n›, focusing initially on the corresponding phonemes /s æ t p ɪ n/. This is why Dys-Code®3 focuses on these six phonemes, represented by six Phonemies® (Speech Sound Monsters®).

By screening children's ability to process these speech sounds before they encounter the corresponding graphemes, we can identify those who may need targeted support to prepare them for formal phonics instruction.

Why screen at three?

Reading and spelling rely on the brain's ability to process speech sounds and connect them to written representations.

For many children, early phonics instruction provides the kick-start they need to begin self-teaching. They gradually build connections between phonemes, graphemes and meaning, storing words in their orthographic lexicon.

But children who experience difficulties with speech sound processing, phonological awareness or phonological working memory may not benefit from instruction in the same way.

These differences can be identified before children are formally taught to read.

We do not need to wait for reading failure to find out who needs additional support.
 

What does Dys-Code®3 screen?

Dys-Code®3 is being developed to explore the foundational speech and language processing skills associated with later literacy development.

Rather than testing whether a three-year-old knows letters, can read words or has been taught phonics, screening focuses on the underlying abilities that support successful word learning.

The research and development programme will investigate how these skills can be assessed consistently and meaningfully in young children, helping identify those who may benefit from early, targeted support.

Screening is not diagnosis

Dys-Code®3 is not designed to diagnose dyslexia in three-year-olds.

It is designed to identify indicators of risk and provide information that can guide support.

Screening should lead to action, not simply a label or a score.

Our approach is based on a simple principle:

We don't just find out what children know. We find out why they may be struggling and what they need next.
 

From screening to support

Identifying risk is only the beginning.

Dys-Code®3 is part of a wider upstream approach that connects early screening with targeted Speech Sound Play, helping children develop the skills they need before literacy difficulties become established.

The goal is not to introduce formal reading instruction earlier. It is to strengthen the foundations that allow children to benefit from that instruction when the time comes.

We want children to need as much explicit instruction as necessary, and no more, because they are increasingly able to learn independently.

Following development beyond age three

Our longer-term vision includes Dys-Code®5, Dys-Code®7 and Dys-Code®9.

Following children's development across these ages could help us understand how early screening, targeted support and subsequent literacy experiences influence their reading and spelling outcomes.

This would provide opportunities for longitudinal research into the identification and prevention of literacy difficulties.

UKRI-funded innovation

Dys-Code®3 is being developed through a 12-month Contracts for Innovation project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through Innovate UK.

The project began in October 2026 and includes the development of child-facing screening technology, assessor systems and preparations for pilot testing.

Dys-Code®3 is currently in research and development. It is not yet a validated or publicly available screening assessment.

Our ambition is to change when and how children at risk are identified, moving support upstream rather than waiting for difficulties to become entrenched.

Show the risk. Understand the need. Support early.

Find out more about our UKRI-funded work and opportunities to get involved at UpstreamSEND.com.