Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage will launch a thought piece on early years learning conducted by the Parliamentary Group for Maths and Numeracy during an event in Parliament tomorrow.
In 2013/14, 28% of children in England failed to achieve the expected level in mathematics at the end of the early years foundation stage.
The first report from the Group is calling for a better trained and qualified workforce that inspires a 'can-do' attitude in early years maths teaching. It is informed by a briefing session which took place in Westminster in June when a number of education experts spoke to MPs and Peers about issues in their fields of expertise.
Caroline commented:
"Far too many young children in this country struggle with maths and numeracy. This leaves them playing a game of catch up for the rest of their lives; a game most of them end up losing.
As this report sets out we need a greater focus on maths and numeracy in the early years. If we can provide children with a good grounding at a young age then we will set them up to succeed in their later studies and their future careers."
Skills Minister, Nick Boles MP will deliver the key note address and television presented and maths guru, Johnny Ball will also speak at the event.
Caroline formed the All Party Parliamentary Group at the beginning of the year in order to raise awareness about the importance of basic maths skills and to inform policy on improving adult numeracy and the future teaching of maths in schools.