For many neurodivergent children, reading isn't just difficult - it's frightening. And without the right support, that fear can follow them well into adulthood.

In this episode, Dale is joined by Vicki Edgar, Director at Fonetti and co-founder of the National Read Aloud Challenge, to discuss 'Removing the Fear of Reading'.

Vicki was diagnosed with dyslexia at seven and brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation - sharing how the anxiety of reading aloud in class has stayed with her, and what finally helped her overcome it.

She also introduces Fonetti, a read aloud platform that gives children real-time visual feedback as they read, and explains how it is helping reluctant and struggling readers build confidence - without judgment, and without disrupting their flow. Make sure you check out their National Read Aloud Challenge - a free summer reading initiative now in its fourth year, open to all children aged 5 to 15 across the UK!

View all podcasts | Visit our SENDcast Sessions shop

I'm deeply passionate about children's literacy and confidence when reading aloud. Growing up with dyslexia, I know first-hand how difficult and isolating reading can feel — and how powerful it is when a child discovers confidence in their own voice.

Now, through my work with Fonetti, the read-aloud app for school and home, I'm helping children build fluency, independence, and a genuine love for reading. I see the impact every day, both in classrooms and at home with my own son, who is dyslexic, ADHD, and ASD.

I work closely with schools to support the implementation of Fonetti and the Fonetti School Portal for teachers. The feedback from teachers, parents, and most importantly, the children themselves has been nothing short of inspiring.

Helping children find joy and confidence in reading aloud isn't just my job, it's my purpose. 💙

Website - https://www.fonetti.com/

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-edgar/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fonetti/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-read-aloud-challenge/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FonettiApp/

Insta - https://www.instagram.com/fonettiapp/

• B Squared Website – www.bsquared.co.uk
• Meeting with Dale to find out about B Squared - https://calendly.com/b-squared-team/overview-of-b-squared-sendcast
• Email Dale – dale@bsquared.co.uk
• Subscribe to the SENDcast - https://www.thesendcast.com/subscribe

We have been involved with Special Educational Needs for over 25 years, helping show the small steps of progress pupils with SEND make. B Squared has worked with thousands of schools, we understand the challenges professionals working in SEND face. We wanted a way to support these hardworking professionals - which is why we launched The SENDcast! Click the button below to find out more about how B Squared can help improve assessment for pupils with SEND in your school.