In a groundbreaking partnership announced today, Fonetti has joined forces with Essex County Council to revolutionise summer reading across Essex libraries and schools.
This collaboration introduces the National Read-Aloud Challenge alongside the traditional Summer Reading Challenge, creating an innovative approach to tackle concerning literacy trends.
Recent data reveals that fewer than one in five children aged 8 to 18 read daily in their free time, marking the lowest levels since 2005. However, there’s hope on the horizon, as 62.6% of children aged 5-8 still report enjoying reading, providing a crucial window of opportunity for intervention.
Fonetti addresses the challenge that one in four 11-year-olds across the UK leave primary school unable to read at the level required to access their next stage of education. The National Read-Aloud Challenge, alongside the Summer Reading Challenge, is specifically designed to combat summer reading regression which particularly affects children from disadvantaged backgrounds, widely recognised as a key driver in widening the attainment gap.
The initiative harnesses Fonetti’s cutting-edge automatic speech recognition technology, allowing children to receive instant feedback as they read aloud. Participating schools across Essex will compete both locally and nationally, with progress tracked through a secure digital dashboard. The programme includes gamification features, personalised tracking, and the chance to win prizes sponsored by GoHenry.
The partnership comes from the Essex Year of Opportunity, which was launched by the county council to remove barriers into work, education and career advancement for all ages.
Kim Antoniou, CEO of Auris Tech and founder of the Read-Aloud Challenge, said: “We are delighted to receive support from the Essex Year of Opportunity in championing the National Read-Aloud Challenge. Running this initiative alongside the established Summer Reading Challenge creates a powerful united front to promote reading, oracy, and confidence in children. As an Essex resident myself, I’m particularly proud to be supporting children in my home county. This partnership embodies everything the challenge represents: community, opportunity, and the joy of reading aloud.”
Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for the Arts, Heritage and Culture, said: “This is an exciting partnership which our libraries have fully embraced as part of the Essex Year of Opportunity.
“Children will be able to receive real-time feedback as they read aloud, helping develop their confidence and understanding as they progress through the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 and National Read-Aloud Challenge.
“I encourage all parents, carers and schools to register and download the app for free at https://www.fonetti.com.”
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Lifelong Learning, said: “Essex Year of Opportunity is all about removing barriers to essential skills, and you don’t need me to tell you just how important literacy is.
Children will be able to grow their literacy and oracy skills like never before by dictating the books on their list and receiving instant feedback. This amazing technology can benefit all children living across Essex.”
Winning schools will be celebrated at an awards ceremony at Amazon HQ in London, hosted by Clare Balding CBE, and receive a year’s complimentary access to the Fonetti Schools Portal. The challenge is free to participate in, with branded materials available in all Essex libraries and open invitations extended to all local schools.
For more information about participating in the National Read-Aloud Challenge, visit https://www.fonetti.com.
