Numeracy (Hansard, 13 July 1998)

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales in what ways he proposes to increase numeracy in the primary schools of Wales. [50344]

§ Mr. Hain
Raising standards of numeracy is at the heart of the Government's programme for raising levels of attainment in schools. We have already set stretching targets for Wales covering literacy and numeracy. We have allocated additional funds to support the In-service training of teachers. This summer, we will be piloting summer numeracy schemes. In the light of the report from the National Numeracy Taskforce, we are now considering what further initiatives in Wales might support this vitally important work in schools.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning the learning of times tables in Welsh schools. [50346]

§ Mr. Hain
The National Curriculum in Wales places a strong emphasis on the learning of "times tables" for all the children from an early age. The learning of multiplication tables plays a central part in the development of children's understanding of the number system. OHMCI's latest annual report indicates that, in general, mathematics is well taught in schools in Wales. Standards are satisfactory or better in over 90 per cent. of classes in primary schools and over 80 per cent. of classes in secondary schools. The evidence available to us suggests that standards are improving but that much work is needed to reach the national targets we have set for the year 2002.
A key feature which contributes towards improvement is an increasingly strong emphasis on the development of pupils' knowledge of multiplication tables and other number facts. Many primary schools include regular sessions of mental mathematics to develop pupils' capacity to think quickly and to recall their tables.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many local numeracy experts he proposes to advise schools from April 1999; and if he will make a statement. [50345]

§ Mr. Hain
Many Local Education Authorities in Wales have already appointed numeracy advisors. The Welsh Office will be consulting with LEAs to determine whether the need to improve standards of numeracy requires an increase in the number of expert advisers in future.