About TruePhonics

At TruePhonics, we believe that every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader. Many children struggle to read, not because they lack ability, but because the tools around them aren’t up to the mark. Our team wanted to change that! So, we created a learning experience that feels like play but is grounded in science. It helps young children, especially those aged 3 to 8+, build real reading skills from the ground up.

Where We Started

TruePhonics was initially created in 2021 as a paper-based tool designed for families. The idea was simple: make structured phonics fun and accessible by making sure all of the material works well together. What started as a comprehensive box set of print materials for parents to work through with their children at home - including 6 storybooks, flashcards for sounds, red words, and decodable words; board games and printing worksheets - has grown into a program offered in multiple formats covering complex code, multisyllable word splitting, and over 40 supporting books. 

We worked closely with literacy instructors, educational therapists, and classroom teachers. The program was initially conceived by Heather Chitty, an Orton-Gillingham certified structured literacy instructor at the Reading Clinic, who created the initial concept for a program of controlled text learning materials completely aligned in scope and sequence with games, flashcards and books. Heather designed the original scope and sequence, the full first box set of material, and wrote all 42 storybooks featured in the TruePhonics app.  Illustrator Louise Cavant helped bring the characters and stories to life with vibrant colours and memorable character design. Rosie Gatenby-Broeders, a supervisor at BGC South East, played a key role in shaping the curriculum into a format for in-classroom teaching and was heavily involved in editing the original print materials. Their insights, along with feedback from students and parents, helped us shape the first version of the program and continue to influence our growth and evolution today.

Tested with Real Learners

Before we moved to the app format, we spent years testing TruePhonics in real classrooms and literacy groups. We examined how children responded, what helped them the most, and where they required additional support. We didn’t just rely on opinions. We tracked progress using before-and-after assessments. The results showed big improvements in decoding, fluency, and reading confidence.

Some of our biggest success stories came from children with ADHD, dyslexia, or difficulty learning to read using traditional methods. TruePhonics gave them a structure that made sense. The program followed principles from the Orton-Gillingham approach and aligned with findings from the Science of Reading. It was also recognised in a 2023 study by Queen’s University.

What We Aim For

Our mission is to give every child a chance to read with confidence. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all learning. We believe in methods that adapt, engage, and support learners at every step. Whether a child is learning in a classroom, at home, or in a community setting, we make sure they feel supported.

We want to break down the barriers that hold children back. That means offering a phonics program that is not just effective but also enjoyable. Through our app, we help learners feel capable and proud of their progress.

How We Teach

TruePhonics uses structured instruction based on how children actually learn. Our lessons follow a sequence. First come the sounds. Then the letters. Then the words. Each step builds on the last. We use visuals, audio, touch, and movement to help children stay engaged. They trace letters, drag words, tap on sounds, and match images. The activities are short, focused, and full of encouragement.

At the same time, we support cognitive skills like memory, attention, and sound processing. These are just as important as reading the words themselves. Everything is designed to help children understand what they’re learning and apply it independently.

Why We’re Different

Most reading apps feel like games with a bit of learning added in. TruePhonics is the opposite. We started with the research, then built a game-like experience around it. What makes us different is that our structure is the core. It’s not just about fun. It’s about learning that sticks.

No one else has built a fully structured phonics program like this, delivered through interactive, multi-sensory tasks. We’re proud to lead the way.