ALL Essex libraries will offer a speech-recognition app thanks to a new partnership helping children progress through the Summer Reading Challenge and National Read-Aloud Challenge.

Essex County Council has partnered with Fonetti, which uses automatic speech recognition software to give real-time feedback to children as they read aloud.

The app includes gamification such as milestones, digital rewards and leaderboards to keep children engaged in reading and develop their oracy skills.

The partnership has arrived in time for the Story Garden – Summer Reading Challenge 2025, which runs from 19 July to 6 September, as well as the National Read-Aloud Challenge by Fonetti.

The initiative is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity (EYOO), which was launched by the county council to remove barriers into work, education and career advancement for all ages.

Story Garden – the Summer Reading Challenge 2025 will inspire and challenge children to explore the magical connection between storytelling and nature, with beautiful illustrations by award-winning artist Dapo Adeola.

Children will be challenged to read six books or complete various book-related activities. They’ll collect special stickers as they go and on completion, will earn their Story Garden certificate and medal.

Children can read any library book of their choice, with a special version of Story Garden available for children under the age of four.

Parents, carers and schools can download the Fonetti app for free at www.fonetti.com

Essex residents can find courses, certificates, skills hubs and resources at www.essexyearofopportunity.co.uk/essex-year-opportunity

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 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.”

Kim Antoniou, CEO of Auris Tech and founder of the Read-Aloud Challenge, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Essex Year of Opportunity in championing the National Read-Aloud Challenge.

“It’s a privilege to run this initiative alongside the long-established Summer Reading Challenge — together, we’re creating a united front to promote reading, oracy and confidence in children.

“As an Essex resident myself, I’m truly honoured to be supporting children in my home county. This partnership represents everything the challenge stands for: community, opportunity, and the joy of reading aloud.”