Cheshire West and Chester Council supports National Numeracy Day

Cheshire West and Chester Council is supporting National Numeracy Day on Wednesday 22nd May and is encouraging residents to take up free courses to help improve basic maths skills.

National Numeracy Day is the UK’s only day dedicated to everyday maths. It celebrates the importance of numbers in everyday life and inspires people to improve their numeracy, because improving numeracy changes lives at home, work and school.

The Council runs free Multiply courses to help people across west Cheshire improve their maths skills.

Many people have gaps in their maths skills which can hold them back either in their career or in their everyday life, whether that is managing finances or supporting children with their homework. Around one in five (or over 41,000) residents in Cheshire West and Chester have skills levels below a Level 2 (that is equivalent to GCSE grade C/4). 

Support is available for those aged over 19 who do not have a maths GCSE at Grade C/4. The Multiply programme provides a unique opportunity to deliver maths support to those who need it, in ways that are more flexible and tailored to the individual’s requirements. The sessions help people to increase their confidence in the use of numbers and help to progress on to courses and ultimately gain recognised qualifications.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“Numeracy skills are important throughout life, whether in work, with household finances or other everyday tasks like cooking and sports. Multiply courses are a fantastic opportunity for people to gain more confidence working with numbers at home or at work, and can lead to a recognised qualification. Many Cheshire West residents currently earn less than the local living wage. All employers should pay at least the local living wage, but improving maths skills and gaining higher qualifications will give people opportunities to progress in work and access higher paid jobs. It is just one way that the Council is providing opportunities to help everyone in our Borough to achieve their full potential.”

Multiply Courses are part of the Council’s vision for an Inclusive Economy; supporting people to develop new skills, get into good jobs with fair wages, and reduce poverty and inequality. The Inclusive Economy aims to make Cheshire West and Chester a greener, fairer and stronger place to live, work and play.

For more details: 

Inclusive Economy | Cheshire West and Chester Council

To find out how you could develop your own or your workforce’s maths skills, email: 

multiply@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

...or visit the Council website:

Support with English and maths | Cheshire West and Chester Council

To find out more about National Numeracy Day, visit:

National Numeracy Day | 22 May 2024

Multiply is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus - visit: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus