§ Mr. HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what support schools will be given in the forthcoming Maths Year 2000. [94538]
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§ Ms Estelle MorrisThis September we launched the National Numeracy Strategy in primary schools, underpinned by a comprehensive programme of training. Maths Year 2000 aims to support teachers as they implement the strategy by creating a positive, "can-do" culture towards mathematics throughout the community.
We are investing £105 million in the National Numeracy Strategy over two years. This includes up to £19.2 million available to provide maths resources in the classroom for 2000–2001. £6.75 million is being invested in the Maths Year which includes a total of £0.5 million specifically provided for local numeracy projects involving schools and their business partners. Many businesses will also be running their own schemes to support schools as their contribution towards the year.
Schools will be able to find a range of ideas for ways to get involved through regular newsletters, a free calendar with puzzles and stories about the history of maths and, from December, the Maths Year Website (www.mathsyear2000.org).