For many parents, helping their child with homework can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to maths. A free Multiply course offered to parents at an Essex school helped them overcome this very hurdle. Multiply Family Learning courses are specifically designed to help with the challenges parents face when trying to support their children with maths homework.
When Coopersale and Theydon Garnon Primary School sought to improve parents’ involvement in their children’s learning, it found help through Multiply. The school worked with TiEGr, a Multiply partner, to develop a program for parents. A bespoke course called ‘Multiply Maths’ was designed to give parents the tools and strategies they needed to support their children's mathematical development at home.
The course was scheduled once a month during lunchtime so that parents could attend with minimum disruption to their family routines. The sessions were delivered in a classroom, providing a relaxed environment for learning and interaction.
The sessions covered various mathematical concepts and strategies relevant to the children aged four to seven-years-old. Parents were taught to use practical tools like Numicon and string beads that could be easily integrated into home learning. They were also given resources like 100 square, number lines and activities to use at home.
Parents reported feeling more comfortable and confident, and indicated a clear improvement in their understanding of mathematical strategies
Multiply can also be a powerful tool for change. It can give people the maths skills they need to take on life’s challenges and find new opportunities for improvement. Thomas Cartwell is one such learner who discovered budgeting and cooking skills through a Multiply course, which led to renewed self-confidence and a path to a healthier life.
Thomas is a 35-year-old father of two, who faced a significant life challenge when a relationship breakdown led to homelessness. A back injury for which he was awaiting surgery and additional health issues like asthma left Thomas unable to work. He found refuge at an emergency night shelter in Colchester, Essex.
The transition affected Thomas’ mental health, which impaired his ability to manage finances effectively. His inactivity due to physical ailments caused weight gain. Down but determined, Thomas wanted to overcome his challenges. He wanted to manage his money, get his own place and provide for his children.
Thomas sought help at Beacon House Occupational Therapy. His occupational therapist recommended a Multiply course as a part of his rehabilitation plan. The aim was to restore his confidence and independence through practical skills.
The Multiply course included sessions to improve his maths skills and budgeting, and cooking and meal planning. The cooking sessions included learning to cook using an air fryer, focusing on making the most of limited resources. Thomas was particularly drawn to the cooking classes, where he learned how to prepare nutritious but affordable meals.
“The course was good and the approaches the course facilitator used were excellent,” said Thomas. “I am looking forward to cooking healthy meals on a budget when I move into my new accommodation.”
Sarah Joslin, Occupational Therapist at Beacon House said: “Thomas appears brighter and he has even been encouraging some of his peers to sign up to the course. The fact that he hasn’t missed a session shows an improvement in his motivation.”
Returning to maths learning after a break can seem daunting, but Multiply Full Qualifications courses offer a friendly and straightforward approach to getting qualified.
For paramedic Alan Churms, getting a functional skills level 2 qualification in maths was essential to progress in his career. Alan is a father of two who works night shifts while also studying for a Masters in Paramedic Science. He needed a course that fit into his busy and erratic schedule.
Multiply offered Alan a flexible and straightforward learning platform that not only helped his maths learning but also provided practical support every step of the way.
“The courses and lessons were extremely flexible and fitted with my shift patterns,” Alan said. “The instructor was very accommodating and allowed to me to move faster in areas that I was confident in and supportive in areas that I was not.”
Alan attended a free Multiply course provided by Clarion Futures at their Basildon learning centre. Other than the Functional Skills course, Clarion Futures offers other Multiply courses like Maths for Work, Maths Pays and Eating Healthy on a Budget.
Not only did the courses help Alan achieve his qualification and take the next step towards advancing his career, but it has also helped him feel confident working with numbers. He said, “After completion of the course I feel like my knowledge has significantly improved and that I’m able to assist my child with parts of her mathematics and help her moving forward.”
“The courses that I have enrolled on will build a solid foundation for me to move up the ladder and continue my journey forward to eventually achieving a Masters in Paramedic Science. I would thoroughly recommend this course.”
Budgeting for the weekly food shop can be overwhelming. Then we want to make sure we are making healthy and balanced choices for ourselves and our families.
The free Cooking by Numbers Programme through Multiply Essex can help. Learners explore the benefits of cooking and planning on a budget to create filling and nutritious meals.
Irina is one of the dedicated participants in this program. She eagerly embraced the opportunity to learn new ways to stretch her budget while prioritising nutrition for her family. Throughout the course, Irina and her fellow participants engaged in discussions on budgeting techniques, including how to stop smartly in budget supermarkets and make the most of seasonal produce.
One of the highlights was the practical cooking demonstrations, where they all learned to create low-cost yet delicious and nutritious meals, such as hearty soups packed with seasonal vegetables and optional protein. Irina found these sessions particularly valuable, as they provided her with tangible strategies for incorporating healthy, budget-friendly meals into her family's diet.
Additionally, Irina and other participants delved into the topic of sugar content in various foods and drinks, gaining insight into healthier alternatives for lunchbox or snack choices for her children.
This course has had a profoundly positive impact on Irina's life, equipping her with valuable skills, knowledge and a supportive community. By empowering Irina to make healthier choices on a budget and fostering meaningful connections within her community, the program has enriched her life. As Irina looks to the future, she is eager to continue to explore further opportunities for learning and growth.
