Education Minister and teaching unions trade blows over 'weak' numeracy standards

  • Wales
Estyn says more than half of Welsh pupils in schools inspected have 'weak' numeracy skills. Credit: PA

Despite a renewed focus on improving the numeracy of children across Wales, a report out today finds that just over half have skills that are described as "weak".

Schools watchdog Estyn says there has been some improvement, but that too many pupils in both primary and secondary schools lack confidence in the subject, and that key strategies, such as the national Literacy and Numeracy Framework, are not being fully implemented.

The Education Minister Huw Lewis told ITV News that the focus should now fall on schools and teachers to "grasp the agenda" with "a renewed sense of urgency."

Teaching unions have hit back tonight though, calling for more support and training, and asking the Welsh Government to look at its role in the problem long-term.

Watch full coverage of this story on Wales at Six:

Estyn says pupils' numeracy skills are still weak in more than half of primary and secondary schools in Wales it inspected last year.

The watchdog today released the second in a series of three reports on key mathematics skills among 7 to 14-year-old children, and the quality of their teaching.

Key conclusions included:

  • Too many pupils lack confidence with division and percentages, impeding their ability to interpret results and solve problems

  • Only around half of schools have developed suitable provision for numeracy, although this is an increase on previously

  • In a majority of schools visited, teachers are uncertain of what the term ‘numerical reasoning’ means and how it translates into classroom activities

Read More: Key findings from Estyn's report on numeracy standards

The Welsh Government has made numeracy one of its central priorities in recent years.

The national Literacy and Numeracy Framework was introduced in 2012, with support for schools to implement it.

Annual testing for 7 to 14-year-old children was introduced last year.

Estyn praised the initiatives for raising expectations, and the Education Minister asserted to ITV News that the foundations are in place, and it is now up to schools to implement them more effectively, to benefit their pupils.

Watch: Education Minister demands schools raise their game

Numeracy, and literacy, have become the central focus for improvements in Welsh education. Credit: PA

Teaching unions have though accused the Welsh Government of trying to "shift the blame".

The NAHT said: "It is pretty rich for Mr Lewis to demand urgency now from schools when the government dilly dallied for years."

Other unions called for more time and support for teachers.

Read More: Teaching unions hit back at Education Minister criticism

Tonight, the Education Minister said he "absolutely stands by" his comments, calling for schools to step up to the mark on numeracy.