Number or maths

Page updated on: 03/10/2022

Children learn number skills at different rates. Some children will have a particular difficulty with learning number skills, concepts and facts. Sometimes this is called Dyscalculia.

They might have problems with:

  • following sequences
  • space organisation
  • pattern recognition
  • visualisation
  • estimation

They might:

  • struggle to ‘see’ that four objects are 4 without counting
  • struggle to move beyond counting on in ones
  • depend on using their fingers/blocks
  • find subtraction difficult because it requires counting backwards and they can lose track

How will the school help?                         

  • Children with particular problems with maths need to be explicitly taught numerical skills.
  • Tasks need to be learner-centred, using multi sensory resources and be completed at the child’s own pace.
  • Sometimes children will work in small groups, maybe with a Teaching Assistant, on catch up maths.

Children, young people, parents or carers should speak to the school initially if they have any questions about the learners' ability with maths or working with numbers.

Children and young people will be supported in different ways according to their needs within the classroom. They may need to work in small groups, sometimes with a teaching assistant to support needs or help identify need. Some children and young people who require additional support will be identified as having additional learning needs through a decision-making process

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