The Welsh Government Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan has launched

I was a teacher and Headteacher in one of the most disadvantaged communities in Wales.

It became a highly successful school on every level (and still is!) because we were relentless about not letting disadvantage ruin the chances of successful primary years.

We knew our children NEEDED foundational skills, and, amongst other things, it remained our absolute focus.

Since then, I have been a Principal in England and have seen the benefit of this focus with phonics programmes, research informed practice and subject specific pedagogy.

It hurts me to see the PISA outcomes for Wales and to hear the following statements:

• Maths is at its lowest level ever in Wales.
• Wales has lost sight of the basics.
• No system to see which children are falling behind.
• Teachers are given too much freedom and are not clear what to teach and when.
• Literacy and numeracy is the access point for the rest of the curriculum and this did not receive enough focus.
• Evidence about what is effective is not used in Wales like it is in other countries.
• The curriculum is not specific.
• We know children learn when they link learning to what they already know…this is missing from the Welsh curriculum.

Anyone who knows me, knows my drive and passion come, not from maths, but, from ensuring our most vulnerable and disadvantaged children are achieving just as well as their peers and have real life chances beyond their education.

This is the reason why Winning With Numbers was created. Not because of our love for maths but because of our love for these children and their communities and our expertise to ensure teachers have the necessary resources and skills.

It is possible. We saw it in my school in Ely, Cardiff and now we need to see it across the whole of Wales.

It is simple. We must ensure there is a systematic, synthetic programme fully embedded in schools for phonics AND for number.

We cannot lose sight of this focus again.

Phonics AND a programme that is like phonics but for maths. This WILL make a difference.

I am delighted to read the Welsh Governments Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Plan which is a very hopeful move in this direction. I applaud all those involved so far.

If this is something you are passionate about…please reach out. I will bring the tissues and a bucket load of optimism!

If a phonics-style programme for maths is something you are considering then let’s jump on a call.

Come on Wales…let’s do a double Emmy and show the rest of the world!

“We owe it to current and future generations to get literacy and numeracy right.” – Education Minister