Essex Year of Numbers is a countywide campaign that aims to inspire a love of learning, with a focus on numeracy. It is a year of exciting learning opportunities, fun events and initiatives aimed at children aged 0 to 18-years-old. The events aim to give every child’s maths skills a magic boost.
Parents can also access guidance and support through the programme to help build numbers and learning into homelife. Parents, caregivers and family members play a vital role in a child’s education. You can support children at home with homework and number-based learning.
Low numeracy skills can disadvantage people later in life and lead to problems such as debt, unemployment and even poor health. Essex Year of Numbers will help people of all ages and backgrounds to improve their numeracy skills and feel confident using maths.
Bobby Seagull's numeracy top tips
Latest research reveals that almost half of Essex parents do not feel confident when helping children with maths homework. To help combat this, we have teamed up with Celebrity maths expert Bobby Seagull to provide a series of fun and accessible tips that will encourage families to embrace the ‘Everyday Magic of Maths’.
Tips include examples of the magic of maths in everyday routines, from sport to eating. Read Bobby Seagull’s numeracy top tips and embrace the everyday magic of maths.
Upcoming events
Take a look at some of the upcoming events happening in your area. This section will be regularly updated, so please keep an eye out to see what’s happening!
Read and Count with Me Under a Tree
Encourage your little ones to enjoy the great outdoors with Read and Count with Me Under a Tree bags. The bags contain picture books to share with your little ones to encourage literacy, numeracy and a love of nature from an early age. Titles include ‘Mad About Minibeasts’ by Giles Andreae and a selection of other outdoor themed stories.
Borrow a Read and Count with Me bag from your local library to use in green spaces across the county.
‘Count Me In’ music production and DJ skills sessions
Count Me In focuses on how numbers are used in music production and DJ skills.
Young people aged 10 to 18-years-old can learn DJ skills and get hands-on experience with the DJ deck. Essex County Council Music Service are hosting free two-hour sessions weekly at the locations below:
- Southernhay Youth Centre, Basildon – Mondays 4pm to 6pm
- Brentwood Youth Centre (The Hermit Club) – Tuesday 4pm to 6pm
- Hare Street Youth Centre, Harlow – Fridays 4pm to 6pm
For more information and to book contact essex.yearofnumbers@essex.gov.uk
Download the Essex Year of... app
The Essex Year of... app will inspire you and your child to enjoy the magic of maths with confidence. You will find useful learning resources and information about upcoming events.
Download the Essex Year of app from the App Store
Download the Essex Year of app from Google Play
Available support for parents
By helping your child at home, you demonstrate the importance of learning, which makes a huge difference to your child’s progress. There is a range of support available from education settings to libraries.
Your child’s nursery or school is a great source of support. We encourage you to talk to your child’s education setting about embedding numbers into your home life. This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with your child’s homework and need help.
Staff and volunteers at your local library can also offer support with your child’s numeracy. Find your local library online. If you are keen on developing your maths confidence, you can do so with our Multiply programme.
Families can access support from the Nation Numeracy website. The free family maths toolkit provides a range of ideas and free activities to help families enjoy maths together.
If you have any ideas of what you might like to see for Essex Year of Numbers or if you have any questions please email essex.yearofnumbers@essex.gov.uk
