At Moorgate, we recognise that secure knowledge and fluency in multiplication and division facts are essential foundations for success in mathematics. Understanding and recalling times tables with confidence allows children to access a wide range of mathematical concepts with greater ease and efficiency. From solving problems involving fractions, ratio, and algebra to exploring more advanced areas of maths at secondary school and beyond, times tables underpin so much of what children learn as they progress through their education.
The journey towards mastering times tables begins right from the start of a child’s mathematical journey in Nursery and Reception. Through counting songs, rhymes, and games, our youngest learners begin to recognise and explore patterns in numbers. They count in steps, make groups of objects, and experience early multiplication and division ideas through hands-on play and practical activities. These early experiences provide the building blocks for future understanding.
As children move into Key Stage 1, their understanding deepens. They learn to make equal groups, double numbers, and share objects equally, gradually linking these ideas to repeated addition and the early stages of multiplication and division. By the end of Year 2, many children begin to recall facts for the 2, 5 and 10 times tables, developing confidence and enjoyment in spotting number patterns and relationships.
In Key Stage 2, this knowledge continues to grow and strengthen. In Year 3, children work on the 3, 4 and 8 times tables, while in Year 4 they complete their journey towards fluent recall of all multiplication and division facts up to 12 × 12. By the end of Year 4, pupils take part in the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) – a statutory online assessment introduced by the Department for Education. The purpose of the MTC is to ensure that children can recall their times tables quickly and accurately, as fluency at this stage enables them to focus on more complex aspects of mathematics in later years.
We approach times tables not as a memory test, but as a journey towards fluency, understanding, and application. Being fluent in multiplication facts is more than just reciting facts by rote – it’s about developing a sense of number, recognising patterns, and applying knowledge flexibly. This fluency empowers children to solve problems efficiently, check their work, and reason with confidence as they encounter more challenging areas such as fractions, ratio, proportion, algebra, and problem solving in upper Key Stage 2 and beyond.
To support all children on their journey, pupils at Moorgate have access to Times Table Rock Stars, a highly engaging and interactive online platform designed to help children practise, rehearse, and improve their recall of multiplication and division facts. Times Table Rock Stars allows pupils to work at their own pace, track their progress, and build confidence through fun games, competitions, and challenges. The platform encourages regular practice both in school and at home, and we celebrate the enthusiasm and achievements of our pupils through class competitions, certificates, and assemblies.
Our aim is to ensure that every child leaves Moorgate not only able to recall their times tables confidently, but also able to apply their knowledge with understanding and enjoyment. Through consistent teaching, regular practice, and strong home-school partnerships, we help our pupils develop the fluency, flexibility, and resilience they need to thrive as mathematicians – now and in the future.
SUAT supports and leads in the set-up of new academies joining the partnership. The services provided by the central support function cover both educational and non-educational support. In terms of educational support, SUAT is linked to the School of Education of Staffordshire University, which is an outstanding ITT provider.