Kent is an Every Child Counts Authority

What is Every Child Counts?

Every Child Counts is run by a partnership of the Every Child a Chance Trust, the National Strategies, the DCSF and Edge Hill University. It aims to enable the lowest attaining children in Year 2 to make greater progress towards expected levels of attainment in mathematics and to achieve level 2 or where possible level 2b or better by the end of KS1.

"I want to stay here because it's fun. It's not fair. I want to stay here and do some more maths. I'm super glued to this chair!" (Year 2 Child)

Numbers Count

Numbers Count is the core component of the Every Child Counts programme. It was devised by Edge Hill University and Lancashire County Council in 2008, drawing on research findings and recommendations by the Williams Review. It is a lively, fun, daily one to one mathematics session with a trained specialist teacher over a period of approximately 12 weeks. It aims to help children develop their knowledge, understanding and confidence when working with number, which can then be extended to other aspects of mathematics in their continuing class lessons.

Does it work?

In the second term of the Every Child Counts programme, children nationally and in Kent made an average of 15 months progress over 3 months, with 20 hours individual tuition. This means they progressed at 5 times the expected rate!
Initial research suggests early mathematics intervention can lift around 8 out of 10 of the children who receive it out of numeracy failure. Using this evidence, it is estimated that every £1 spent on the programme will save taxpayers between £12 and £19 later on, as employment opportunities will be increased and health, social and criminal costs will be reduced through improved adult numeracy.

"3 of the 4 children are significantly more confident in class, keen to contribute and with a more positive attitude to maths." (Class teacher)

What is involved?

Numbers Count teachers are involved in detailed training, enabling them to become highly skilled specialists who build structured, personalised programmes ensuring progression for each child. They support the wider development of mathematics and other Every Child Counts initiatives in their schools through close liaison with colleagues. They will:

• Attend 10 full days training in year 1 and a further 5 full days in year 2, lead by Kent Teacher Leaders
• Meet all the requirements for accreditation, including reading, reflecting on video clips of their own teaching sessions, planning and record keeping
• Receive support visits from a Numbers Count Teacher Leader
• Make and receive learning partner support visits

What are the benefits for your school?

"Learning partner visits have provided mutual support and the opportunity to brainstorm ideas, particularly for challenging pupils, and the sharing of resources and expertise." (NC Teacher)

Every Child Counts helps schools raise standards in mathematics in the following ways:

• Supporting early identification of children (end of Year 1) with mathematical difficulties and in most cases develops appropriate strategies to overcome them
• Facilitating close monitoring of vulnerable groups of children
• Supporting school self evaluation
• Supporting the Every Child Matters agenda
• Raises expectations of children’s attainment in mathematics
• Closely aligns to the PNS Renewed Framework and effective practice in mathematics teaching
• Providing part funding for a highly trained teacher who can share expertise with the whole staff
• Helping to engage and involve parents in their children’s learning
• Empowering children to feel successful and equipping them with the skills for learning that can be transferred across the curriculum
• Works successfully with other LA support programmes

"I have seen a great improvement in her maths and her confidence and enjoyment of doing maths is far greater. Thank you." (Parent)