Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has highlighted the need to raise the standards of mathematics in schools, during questions to the Department for Education today.
A strong supporter of early-years development, Caroline voiced her concern after recent figures showed an alarming number of primary-age school children were over-reliant on calculators. She asked the Minister:
"Does my Honourable Friend not agree that all children should have a good grasp of basic mental arithmetic before they are allowed to rely on calculators?"
Education Minister Elizabeth Truss, responding on behalf of the Government, expressed her agreement and said:
"We treat maths as a high priority, removing calculators from primary tests from 2014 will make sure students master the basics, and we are also reforming the national curriculum to focus on core arithmetic which is key to future success."
The question reflects Caroline's long-standing commitment to the learning and skills agenda, and follows her close association with local schools in her constituency - having visited each one at least once since becoming an MP.
