Rocket Phonics
A guide for families
At Aston Rowant, we use Rocket Phonics, a validated systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) programme designed to help every child learn to read confidently and enjoyably.
What is Rocket Phonics?
Rocket Phonics is:
- A structured, step‑by‑step programme
- Carefully sequenced to introduce new sounds in a logical order
- Multisensory and engaging
- Fully aligned with the National Curriculum
- Proven to support rapid early reading development
Children are taught to recognise sounds, blend to read words, and segment to spell words, building strong foundations for reading and writing.
What does Rocket Phonics look like in school?
- Daily phonics lessons (20–30 minutes)
- Quick review of previously taught sounds
- Introduction of a new sound
- Blending words for reading
- Segmenting for spelling
- Reading simple sentences
- Short application tasks
- Lots of speaking, listening and practical learning
Children also read Rocket Phonics decodable books matched exactly to their phonics stage.
What are decodable books?
These are specially written to help children practise the sounds they are learning.
Our Rocket Phonics books:
- Follow the same sequence as our lessons
- Allow children to feel successful quickly
- Build confidence and fluency
- Become more complex as your child progresses
- Include stories that are engaging and age‑appropriate
For older pupils needing phonics support, books include mature themes, non‑fiction, adventure & mystery stories so children never feel embarrassed.
How can parents help at home?
- Listen to your child read their decodable book every day
- Encourage them to blend sounds to read a word
- Model enjoyment of reading
- Celebrate small steps
- Re-read books to build fluency
- Practise tricky words
What happens if my child struggles with phonics?
We believe every child can succeed.
- Children who need extra support receive short daily “keep‑up” sessions
- If a child does not pass the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check, they continue receiving phonics support in Year 2
- If they still need support in Year 3 or beyond, we tailor phonics teaching creatively while keeping reading age‑appropriate
Your child will always have books that match their phonics stage AND their maturity and interests.