What I love about Maths For Life:

1. It’s fantastic ‘Hierarchy of Independence’ is a complete game-changer in my opinion. It’s used to assess both the child’s comprehension and ability to apply the maths concept in a practical and functional way as well as measuring the child’s level of independence. The pyramid enables the child to be effectively ‘graded’ on level of ability and understanding in a really simple and consistent way, regardless of who is working with the YP. I love how it enables a standardised and simple assessment and communication of level of independence and comprehension, regardless of whether a child can read, write, talk etc; it cuts through disabilities and enables the adult to truly see what a child comprehends with regards the mathematical concept, how the child can apply their understanding across different functional/real-life scenarios, what other ‘additional needs’ of the child are impacting their ability to be ‘independent’ in, for eg, communicating their understanding (eg lack of speech/signing, reading ability, ability to hold a pen and write etc) – no disability seems to prevent the adult in being able to effectively assess the child’s grip or functional understanding and application of the maths subject/concept under consideration.

2. The entire program is differentiated and embeds the evidence based learning style of a person with down syndrome -  which, I believe, also applies to the broad spectrum of learning disabilities.  It’s highly visual, involves short bursts of learning, repeated over a longer time period, and with lots of bright fun and practical examples of functional applications of the same maths concept. I noticed that, although Nathaniel might ‘understand’ something, it was very difficult for him to apply this understanding across different functional examples – it was an eye opener. I believe the MFL program contains literally 1000s of examples to draw on, should a child need much practice in a particular concept.

3. It’s all linked-mapped to national curriculum and also can lead to a higher level functional exam as the child gets older (can’t remember the name of the exams, but the ones below GCSE!). The MFL program literally covers all the really important functional maths building blocks, from foundation level right through to post-16! There would be no gaps in knowledge if the program was followed from start to finish and, as above, at the same time  not only is it consistently measuring and reporting (easily) on comprehension, but also the independence of the child in understanding, applying, solving and communicating the subject/question under consideration.

4. It’s great with regards how easily a child’s programme can transfer between different adults working with the child and even between school and home.

5. There are literally 10s of thousands of worksheets available to print, all linked by topic. There is also a weekly workbook out each week which builds on the previous week (if someone chooses to work that way), special worksheets/books available at certain times of year (e.g. xmas maths)..

There are always free zoom sessions, Q&A online sessions anyone can attend – failing that, Karen the founder, is fab and always answers emails and/or the phone. There is also the newly formed SEN School forum starting in less than two weeks!  I believe it has so much potential – and OFSTED will love it, as it has exceptionally good recording and reporting processes and enables schools to evidence each child’s bespoke maths program, its links to the curriculum, multiple real and useful measures of attainment and progress – right through school, from reception to post-16. Above all, the worksheets are fun and easily adapted (to include favourite characters etc should you so wish)! 

Maggie, Parent