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Building maths confidence together: How schools and families are making a difference

8 Jan 2025

In just four months, National Numeracy’s Schools & Families Programme has reached over 3,000 individuals, showcasing the power of collaboration between schools, parents, and carers in building children's maths confidence.

A child raising their hand during a National Numeracy event

Launched in September 2024, the programme highlights the essential role adults play in fostering a maths-positive environment at home and in school. It’s open to primary schools across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and we are regularly recruiting schools.

Research shows that children achieve more when learning is embraced at home, especially in their early years. Key findings include:

  • Family influences have a bigger impact on children’s attainment than school during primary education (Desforges and Abouchaar, 2003).
  • Parental engagement can add the equivalent of two or three years to a student’s education (Hattie, 2008).
  • Discussing the everyday relevance of maths boosts children’s motivation to learn (PISA, 2013).

However, many parents and carers feel unequipped to support their children with numeracy, often due to their own lack of confidence.

The Schools & Families Programme is designed to break this intergenerational cycle of maths anxiety, empowering adults to help children see maths as approachable and valuable.

Quote from a parent/carer saying "My child is more open to me on any issues relating to maths, unlike in the past."

Expansion and impact

Since its launch in September, the programme worked with 73 primary schools across the UK, delivering significant results:

  • 124 Numeracy Champions were trained to support colleagues and families, with 99% reporting increased confidence in helping those who struggle with maths.
  • Over 3,000 individuals engaged with at least one Family Maths Toolkit (FMT) activity.
  • Volunteers reached 1,025 children, connecting maths to real-world applications through assemblies and classroom sessions. Teachers unanimously agreed these sessions inspired children to see the value of maths in everyday life.
  • 289 parents and carers attended "Help Your Child Love Maths!" workshops, delivered by Numeracy Champions, encouraging families to embrace maths with confidence and enthusiasm.

Making maths part of everyday life

The programme helps parents and carers discover simple ways to make maths part of daily routines – from budgeting at the supermarket to measuring for DIY projects.

These fun, interactive activities not only improve children’s maths skills but also help them find joy in problem-solving and understand how maths connects to the world around them.

Quote from a pupil saying, "It's nice to work with your family instead of working by yourself."

Building a lasting legacy

The Schools & Families Programme aims to create long-term change. By equipping schools and families with tools and strategies that extend beyond the programme’s duration, it establishes a sustainable foundation for maths confidence.

As highlighted in NIACE's 2013 report family learning improves children’s skills, strengthens relationships, and fosters a shared sense of achievement and joy. This programme demonstrates that when schools and families work together, the impact on children’s learning – and their futures – can be transformative.

By bridging the gap between home and school, National Numeracy is creating a maths-positive culture that empowers adults and inspires children. 

If your school wants to take part

All schools are welcome to apply. We prioritise inclusion based on each school’s level of free school meals.

If you would like to register your interest in the Schools & Families programme, please sign up here: nn.typeform.com/to/lVJcXcyr

Please contact [email protected] if you would like further information.

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