Voxblock, the screen and wifi free children’s audiobook player, is pleased to announce its partnership with Scotia and Chameleon, a major distributor of school and educational products on the UK market. This partnership consolidates the Edinburgh based business’s commitment to the education sector, by delivering an approved public sector procurement option for the purchase of Voxblock Schools, the first dedicated multi-user schools audiobook product on the market.
Voxblock Schools, launched six months ago and designed specifically for use in primary and nursery classrooms, is already in use in over 50 schools around the country. Created to supplement existing literacy education resources, Voxblock Schools enables children to listen independently or in groups and the audiobooks have been found to engage even the most reluctant readers.
Created as an additional resource for the development of literacy skills, Schools have the flexibility to integrate Voxblock into their classrooms or libraries; as well as incorporating it into special education (SEN) or learning enhancement programs. Teachers and librarians already using the players are doing so in a variety of different ways, from whole class storytimes to creating individual library listening stations.
Literacy skills are fundamental to early years education yet recent research from The Literacy Trust has highlighted a growing problem for educators, identifying that reading for pleasure amongst young people has dropped to an all time low, with fewer than 1 in 2 (47%) claiming to enjoy it. Audiobooks provide an additional and complementary way to engage young minds and foster an enjoyment of stories, developing a desire and encouraging a love of reading. National Literacy Trust research also highlights that audiobooks can help improve literacy skills, engage reluctant readers and support wellbeing (National Literacy Trust, 2022).
Voxblock, a leader in the educational audiobook market
Voxblock is the easy-to-use, screen-free audiobook player designed (by parents) for children aged 3-12 years. The player has no internet connection, meaning no need for wifi, apps, downloads, logins or passwords. Named winner of the Best Kids Audio Player for Ease of Use by The Independent in 2022, children can independently operate the players without the need for adult assistance.
Voxblock Schools offers a range of school packages; including multiple players, age appropriate audiobooks, supporting resources, headphones for individual listening and aux cables for small groups or whole class listening.
Scotia and Chameleon
Scotia and Chameleon, based in North Lanarkshire, are an approved supplier for the Scotland Excel Framework Agreement - Supply and Delivery of Library Books, Educational Textbooks & Multimedia Supplies. This framework provides UK councils with a mechanism to procure a range of library and classroom literacy resources. Councils will now be able to procure Voxblock audiobook players and audiobooks through Scotia and Chameleon. Users of the framework are likely to include schools, nurseries and community centres.
Strengthening the Voxblock presence in the education sector
This partnership shows Voxblock's commitment to expand its UK schools offering. Until now, Voxblock Schools has only been available for schools to purchase directly.
This partnership will enable Voxblock to:
Distribute to educational institutes via the Scotland Excel Framework
Provide a one-stop shop for schools to purchase audiobook players and audiobooks alongside printed reading materials to enhance children’s literary experiences.
Build on its relationship with schools by offering them a simple new way to procure Voxblocks
Rebecca Lundgren, co-founder of Voxblock, explains: "Building on our entry into the schools market in the past 6 months, we are very happy to be partnering with Scotia and Chameleon, whose experience and distribution network throughout the UK allows more schools to purchase Voxblock and therefore their pupils to ultimately benefit from the power of audiobooks.."
To learn more about Voxblock Schools visit https://voxblock.co.uk/pages/voxblock-schools
