Appearances

Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution: What It Means for the Future of Reading Aloud

This week’s Channel 4 documentary, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution, shone a bright – and deeply moving – spotlight on a challenge millions of families, children and educators face every day: how we support neurodiverse learners in a world that too often misunderstands them. If you haven’t already watched the documentary, you can view it here: Watch Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution | Stream free on Channel 4

At Fonetti, we watched with hope, recognition and determination. Much of what Jamie Oliver raised – about undiagnosed learning differences, the emotional toll of struggling to read, and the need for early intervention – resonates with our mission. We exist to help every child build reading confidence through reading aloud, supported by speech recognition technology.

Here’s why Jamie’s documentary matters – and how we believe Fonetti can be part of the solution.

Reading Aloud Shouldn’t Hurt
At one point in the documentary, Jamie describes feeling like “a stupid dunce.” He talks about the shame and frustration of trying to read aloud as a child, and how it shaped his view of himself. He wasn’t alone: children in the film echoed the same pain.

This is precisely why Fonetti exists.

We believe that reading aloud should be a moment of growth, not shame. That practice should build confidence, not anxiety. Fonetti gives children a private, positive space to read aloud and see their progress in real time – free from judgement. Our technology listens as children read, highlights the words they get right, and gently flags those they miss, helping them to improve at their own pace.

Early Support Is Everything
Jamie calls for mandatory early screening for dyslexia – a call we strongly support. Too many children slip through the cracks because they don’t receive the help they need early enough. Fonetti isn’t a diagnostic tool, but it can offer invaluable insight into a child’s reading journey. By capturing how a child reads aloud over time, our app helps parents and educators spot when extra support might be needed – often before more formal challenges arise.

Tech Should Include Everyone
The documentary rightly points out that traditional classroom teaching doesn’t work for every learner – and that multisensory, personalised approaches help everyone, not just neurodiverse children. Fonetti is built with accessibility in mind. Its simple interface, clear feedback, and ability to adapt to the reader’s pace make it suitable for a wide range of children, including those with dyslexia or attention challenges. It’s fun, it’s motivating, and it’s designed to support the way real children learn.

Confidence is the Foundation
Jamie’s story reminds us that reading is about far more than literacy – it’s about identity, confidence and self-worth. When a child believes they can’t read, it doesn’t just affect their test scores. It affects how they see themselves. We want every child who uses Fonetti to feel proud of the reader they are becoming. Whether they’re reading their first sentence or their fiftieth story, they can see their progress. That’s powerful.

Let’s Work Together
Jamie’s campaign is a rallying cry to educators, policymakers, parents – and to innovators like us. Improving literacy outcomes for neurodiverse children takes all of us. It takes technology that empowers, classrooms that adapt, and a system that listens.

We stand with Jamie in believing that every child deserves the right support, at the right time. And we’re committed to making reading aloud a joyful, accessible experience for all. If you were moved by Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution and want to learn more about how Fonetti can support your school, your child or your learning strategy – we’d love to talk.

Reading aloud builds confidence. Confidence builds readers. And every child deserves to feel like a reader.

Find out more about how Fonetti supports reading at home and in schools: Fonetti

Posted in SEND, Appearances, News

Celebrate World Book Day in the Digital World of Reading with Fonetti

World Book Day 2024: A Digital Revolution in Reading

World Book Day has always been a celebration of stories, a tribute to the authors who transport us to distant lands and imaginary realms, and an ode to the power of reading. But this 2024, the day of books takes a revolutionarily digital turn. For teachers and parents dedicated to fostering a love for reading, this isn’t just an update; it’s an opportunity.

Join the digital parade of pages turning and spark an ocean of new narratives with Fonetti – a new-age beacon in the digital reading cosmos. Step out of the conventional reading nooks and into this digital universe this World Book Day, enriching the experience for young readers, and marking the start of a new chapter in EdTech innovation.

The Interactive Ecosystem of Reading
Fonetti is not just another educational app; it’s an entire ecosystem, with the sole purpose of making reading more inclusive, more immersive, and ultimately, more enjoyable. Gone are the days when reading was a solitary pursuit; with Fonetti, it became a collective adventure, a vibrant community where each word read is an accomplishment celebrated.

Imagine a reading assessment tool that listens to your child’s reading and provides instant, encouraging feedback. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the heart of Fonetti. It empowers children with a sense of autonomy and progression while filling the space around them with an orchestra of applause for their linguistic exploits.

The Beacon for Struggling Readers
Not every child’s voyage through the world of words is a smooth sail. For the reluctant reader or the one grappling with dyslexia, traditional reading passages can often feel like unscalable cliffs, daunting and insurmountable. Fonetti changes the narrative, quite literally, by providing a supportive platform for reading, one which adapts to the reader’s pace and capabilities.

Its unique speech recognition technology helps struggling readers by offering immediate support – think of it as Alexa but for reading, nurturing their skills and, most importantly, their confidence. Fonetti turns reading into a less intimidating, more personalised experience, breaking down the barriers that might otherwise keep a child from exploring the world of literature.

Engaging and Empowering the Modern Teacher
What good are tools for the learner if they do not serve the mentor? Fonetti doesn’t just cater to the students; it equips teachers with a robust dashboard that provides insights into each child’s reading progress. It’s like having x-ray vision into the reading habits of your class, allowing for tailored guidance and a personalised approach to teaching reading.

This World Book Day, teachers can revolutionise the way they approach reading assessments, transform intervention strategies, and even gamify the reading experience – all thanks to Fonetti. It’s the modern teacher’s companion, giving the gift of time, efficiency, and a new perspective on the impact of their work.

Community of Literacy Champions
Fonetti is more than an app; it’s a catalyst for a community of educators, parents, and technology enthusiasts who are advocates for literacy in the 21st century. It encourages collaboration and interaction, fostering partnerships that share the same vision and passion for reading.

Join the conversation, become a part of the vibrant community, and kick off World Book Day with a pledge to introduce Fonetti into the lives of the young learners in your orbit. With Fonetti, you’re not just adopting a tool; you’re becoming a champion of progress, promoting literacy one digital page at a time.

Celebrate with Fonetti
This World Book Day, the digital world of reading with Fonetti stands ready to be embraced by the hands of every teacher and parent committed to nurturing the next generation of readers. It presents a prime opportunity to bridge the traditional and the digital – to tap into the vast benefits of technology without losing the warmth and magic of a printed book.

For those who wish to make a lasting difference in the way children engage with reading, step boldly into the digital sphere with Fonetti. It’s a choice that echoes the spirit of World Book Day, a commitment to the timeless power of stories, and a belief in the narrative-altering might of technology.

Could there be a more fitting way to embody the World Book Day 2024 theme of reinvention and creativity through reading than to adopt Fonetti into your educational toolkit? I think not. It’s time to open the digital doors of possibility and celebrate the day of books in style, substance, and innovation.

With Fonetti, the future of reading is now.

Posted in News, Appearances, Automatic Speech Recognition, Reading

Auris Tech & NSPCC Join Forces to Promote Safe, Joyful Reading

Auris Tech, the innovative developers behind Fonetti, the groundbreaking Read Aloud App is joining forces with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) in a joint mission to protect and nurture childhood. Through this exciting collaboration, our goal is to foster a vibrant culture of reading and comprehension. By supporting and funding the NSPCC through our partnership, we aspire to empower children to embrace the power of spoken words, encouraging them to express themselves confidently whenever necessary.

Auris Tech is proud to stand alongside the NSPCC, an incredible charity dedicated to making a difference.

Fonetti, an innovative read-aloud application aimed at enhancing children’s oracy, reading fluency, and accuracy, incorporates state-of-the-art, multi-patented automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh. This advanced technology actively listens to a child’s reading, providing real-time feedback for immediate improvement.

Auris Tech is delighted to support the NSPCC and has committed to donating £5 from every school licence sold throughout the partnership period. Auris Tech is also granting the NSPCC a bank of Fonetti school portal licences to distribute as needed, along with a generous number of Fonetti home user licences.

The partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC exemplifies the positive impact that can be achieved when the worlds of business and charity collaborate for the greater good of children. The visionary Founder and CEO of Auris Tech, Kim Antoniou, is proud to stand side by side with the NSPCC in their commitment to creating a better world for children. Antoniou firmly believes that Fonetti will play a vital role in instilling a love for reading, an essential aspect of both educational and emotional development. By working together, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are fostering a culture of reading while prioritising child safety.

Katie Fudge, fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: “Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give children. We are so pleased that Auris Tech has chosen to support the NSPCC in so many wonderful ways, and we are thrilled that our PANTS book is now available on Fonetti.”

The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of its funding, the charity helps children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, protects children at risk, and finds the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening.

Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS is an original children’s book by Rebecca Gerlings and Fhiona Galloway written exclusively for the NSPCC. It gives caregivers a simple way to talk to their child about staying safe from sexual abuse.

Through their endorsement of Fonetti and partnership with Auris Tech, the NSPCC is raising awareness of its mission and actively promoting a culture of prevention and reporting. Auris Tech’s strong commitment to this cause aids the NSPCC in providing vital support and resources to children and their families.

The Fonetti app, available for both individual users and schools, has proven to be an exceptional tool for parents and teachers, effectively aiding children in developing their reading skills with boosted confidence and a newfound love for reading that will benefit them for a lifetime. Auris Tech’s National Read Aloud Challenge encourages the powerful benefits of independent reading. Through active participation in the challenge, parents and teachers contribute to fostering a love for reading, promoting emotional intelligence, and enhancing mental well-being.

In conclusion, the partnership between Auris Tech and the NSPCC demonstrates the incredible impact that can be achieved when businesses and charities unite to effect positive change in society. 

By championing reading and child safety, Auris Tech and the NSPCC are providing invaluable resources to children and their families. Education, safety, and emotional support are integral components of a child’s development, and this partnership represents a significant stride forward in ensuring every child has access to these essential resources. The Fonetti app empowers parents and teachers while the National Read Aloud Challenge promotes the joy of reading aloud and fosters emotional intelligence. With these collaborative efforts, Auris Tech and NSPCC are paving the way for a brighter future for all children.

About Auris Tech:
Auris Tech is a leading developer of a unique advanced automatic speech recognition technology developed in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh specifically for read speech which is committed to improving literacy and supporting English language learning for children worldwide. Their flagship product, Fonetti, is revolutionising the way children acquire reading skills by utilising cutting-edge speech recognition technology.

About NSPCC:
The NSPCC is the leading children’s charity fighting to end child abuse in the UK and Channel Islands. Using voluntary donations, which make up around 90 per cent of our funding, we help children who’ve been abused to rebuild their lives, we protect children at risk, and we find the best ways of preventing child abuse from ever happening. So when a child needs a helping hand, we’ll be there. When parents are finding it tough, we’ll help. When laws need to change, or governments need to do more, we won’t give up until things improve.

Their Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. Children can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Their free NSPCC helpline is open every day of the year for any adult worried about a child. Their practitioners provide advice and support, listen to concerns about a child, and offer general information about child protection.

About The National Read Aloud Challenge:
The National Read Aloud Challenge is a nationwide initiative dedicated to encouraging reading among children. By providing free access to a wide range of books and fostering a love for literature, the challenge aims to boost literacy, inspire creativity, and empower young minds.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Kim Antoniou
Kim@auris.tech
07947 820420

Posted in News, Appearances, National Read Aloud Challenge, Reading

Lewis Bronze MBE – Fonetti’s Education Ambassador

Fonetti proudly welcomes Lewis Bronze MBE as our Education Ambassador. I had the opportunity to speak with him to uncover the origins of his passion for supporting education and understand his reasons for accepting the role of Fonetti’s Education Ambassador.

Lewis Bronze MBE
From a young age, Lewis Bronze had a keen interest in telling factual stories, leading him to stumble upon journalism during his time at university. This fortuitous discovery opened up an amazing opportunity for him to work as a graduate journalist at the esteemed BBC News. Ultimately, he found himself immersed in the world of BBC Newsround where he held the role of producer, an experience he cherished greatly. This marked the genesis of Lewis’s fascination with education, as he was tasked with delivering thought-provoking narratives to a young audience. Although challenging, it proved immensely rewarding.

Continuing his career at the BBC, Lewis then embarked on a new journey as the editor of the renowned Blue Peter programme, dedicating many years to this role. In 1996, with a genuine desire to continue his mission of delivering high-quality content to children, he co-founded Espresso Education (later acquired by Discovery Education). The primary goal of Espresso was to introduce news videos into classrooms, serving as a valuable educational resource that enriches students’ learning experiences.

Currently, in his role as the chairman of Sensations English, he wholeheartedly commits himself to fostering the development and triumph of young individuals. This ongoing passion relentlessly ignites his spirit and drives him forward.

‘I almost remember the day where letters became words.’

When I asked Lewis where his love for reading came from, he stated that he ‘distinctly remembers reading in school and thinking it was cool. It must have been kindergarten. We had the Janet and John books and I almost remember the day when the letters became words.’ 

He went on, “One memory that sticks with me is reading the sports pages in the Daily Express. It’s what sparked my love for reading.”

There were books around the house but I don’t really remember seeing my parents ever reading them. But what I do remember is he used to get paper delivered and when I heard the clap of the letterbox I used to run downstairs to be the first one to spread it out on the carpet where I went straight to the sports pages, especially the cricket.’

‘I was probably five or six when that was happening so that’s a very early memory and I didn’t realise it but what I was doing was reading and developing a love for probably news and sport and reading.

‘Once someone’s spark is caught, it can take you anywhere!’

Next, we delved into the reasons behind why he agreed to become Fonetti’s Education Ambassador. He explained that he wanted ‘everyone to have the chance to be entranced by reading and be taken into new worlds and have their horizons broadened.’ He continued, ‘I want everyone to have the same opportunity and I recognise that it is much more complicated in today’s world.’ 

Fonetti is a great tool to have in your arsenal. Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or child, it holds tremendous potential to revolutionise literacy and encourage a love for reading. It can empower individuals who may have otherwise missed out on that crucial initial spark, as we all know that once that spark ignites, the possibilities become limitless. 

“Fonetti is a revolutionary tool in the classroom, capable of transforming the way we approach reading. I firmly believe that widespread adoption of Fonetti in classrooms nationwide would lead to a remarkable improvement in reading scores, given adequate time for implementation. And from that comes all learning, all the curriculum follows, and that is why reading is so important. So that is my motivation. I want to support Fonetti as much as I can.’

Our CEO, Kim Antoniou adds:
“We take great pride in extending a warm welcome to Lewis, our esteemed Education Ambassador. It is an immense honour to have him graciously share his vast experience, unwavering passion for reading, and invaluable insights with us. We deeply appreciate his generosity in dedicating his precious time to this endeavour.”

Posted in News, Appearances, Team Fonetti

Cat Roberts-Young on Inspiring Children to Read This Summer

The summer holidays have started and our National Read Aloud Challenge is in full swing. Children aged 5-15 can take part and choose any stories they like to read on Fonetti from fiction to facts. There are several milestones they can hit across different challenge periods. When they’ve achieved them, they’ll receive a personalised signed certificate from our brand ambassador Clare Balding CBE. And they’ll also receive recognition from their school for taking part too. 

One of our most popular books on Fonetti is The Ball Pit Monster. It’s had hundreds of views and has remained in the top 10 since the beginning of the challenge. So, I reached out to its author Cat Roberts-Young to see what it means to her to be a part of the challenge this summer and what role she feels technology plays in helping reluctant readers. Here’s what she has to say:

“Thanks for inviting me to comment Kim! There’s no greater feeling as a writer than knowing your stories are being chosen – and enjoyed. But knowing they’re helping kids to read independently tops it all. Fonetti can hear first-hand how every word is pronounced, what stumbling blocks a sentence may have and more importantly, the joy in a child’s voice when they’ve cracked something they found difficult. How brilliant is that? Reading regression isn’t new. Covid played its part and every school holiday since, with the change of routine and flashbacks to home-schooling – give both parents and children a challenge.

Travel without a ticket
A book can transport a child to another world without them needing to leave their house. Reading gives them a passport to so many worlds. Regardless of budget or the size of their friendship group. Just opening a book and diving in independently can make a child’s confidence soar – as well as enrich their imaginations. This is why I’m proud to write for Fonetti. For many children school holidays can feel incredibly lonely. Those living in remote locations may not be able to see their friends easily, maybe their parents are working fulltime, and they spend hours at the workplace with them. But being able to read gives them access to friends, facts and fantasy all in one place. And Fonetti opens the door to that world. Wherever they are. A whole library waiting for them the minute they can access Wi-Fi.

When I wrote The Ball Pit Monster, I hoped it would make kids laugh. And that the rhyme would help them guess any words they found tricky. Hearing that so many are choosing to read it as part of the challenge – and reading it so fluently – has honestly made my summer. It’s on a par with when Kaye Adams chose to read it for the 12 Stories of Christmas. Writing is a solitary thing. It’s just a person putting ideas down on a blank piece of paper. And writers are usually their worst critics (I am mine!). So, you never know if your stories will be popular or not. You just hope. And seeing so many reading one of mine on Fonetti is beyond my expectations. But the number of children taking part in the challenge blows me away. Reading is such a gift. If The Ball Pit Monster can help just one child enjoy reading for pleasure, I’m happy. Good luck to everyone taking part in the challenge this summer – enjoy it and you’ll smash it!”

Have you signed up?
If your little readers haven’t signed up yet they can get started today (hyperlink to National Read Aloud Challenge) for free. Safe screen time for the whole of the summer that boosts their literacy, comprehension and language skills. Whether they’re reading as a native speaker or with English as a second language, they’ll be spoilt for choice with a huge variety of stories in our virtual library. Whatever adventures you’ve got planned this summer – don’t forget to take Fonetti with you.

Posted in Authors, Appearances, News, Reading

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity Event raises £107k for ‘Sick Kids’

On Friday, we were honoured to attend the #GetTogether for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) to support all of the amazing and important work that the charity does for seriously ill children and their families. We were blown away by some of the stories that were shared at the event by parents and doctors and could not be prouder of all that the charity achieves. 

The event was bursting with life thanks to some delightful live entertainment from the children, featuring some gorgeous dancing from Sammy and Lucy the enchanting Evan and an emotional story from the mother of baby Hector the Hero, who are all currently doing well. The charity’s CEO, Roslyn Neely, and her team did a fantastic job planning this incredible event, raising an astounding £107,000 for the cause.

The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital
The ECHC helps critically ill babies, children and young people by supporting their medical care, mental health and family’s wellbeing. The hospital team delivers daily arts activities, youth work and family support; their Grants Programme funds child-friendly spaces and play initiatives, life-changing equipment and bereavement support.

This exceptionally vital work the charity carries out means that fundraising events, like the #GetTogether, are crucial for raising sufficient funds to support the families facing the toughest of times. 

Here to Help
Some children spend more time in hospital than they do out of hospital. This means they are unable to attend school and they need to complete their education in hospital. Fonetti are currently working closely on a pilot with the ECHC to adapt our read aloud app so that it can be used by children in hospitals. We want all children, no matter their circumstances, to have the opportunity to delve into books and experience the joy of reading. 

Reading & Children’s Mental Health
Reading has so many benefits for children and supporting their mental health is one that we feel is the most important. Books not only allow children to escape into another world and develop imagination and curiosity, they also support children with understanding tricky emotions and help them to process how they are feeling. 

If a child can relate to a character in a book, who is in a similar position to them, it can help them navigate the challenges they may be facing and feel understood. Books are a great way to get children talking about their feelings without making them feel overwhelmed. 

The Book Trust explains, ‘Books can be a vehicle for the discussion for pertinent topics. Books with emotional stories, for example, can provide explicit opportunities for a child and their carer to discuss painful issues but with the emotional safety of being one step removed. They can talk about the characters and events in a book without having to refer directly to themselves.’

National Read Aloud Challenge
The National Read Aloud Challenge has partnered up with Fonetti over the summer, making hundreds of books on the Fonetti in app library completely free until 31st August. We want all children to have access to books over the summer so that if they feel they need to escape into a story, they can. 

Posted in Events and Conferences, Appearances, National Read Aloud Challenge, Team Fonetti