Freir Maths -
Education Development
Expert Primary Maths Consulting for Schools
Support for Schools
Expertise. Passion. A listening ear.
Here you will find the types of support that Freir Maths offers.
Support is bespoke to your setting. If there is something you feel you need which is missing, please get in touch.
Initial Consultation
Often, being inside a situation means it is difficult to know the best way to move forward. An initial consultation includes in-depth discussions with the leadership team, a team learning walk to see maths lessons across the setting and a book look. An agreed plan will be made to determine the support needed.
In-school Support
Following an initial consultation, a number of sessions might be set up to focus on the needs of the school. These sessions might include support for the maths lead, support for particular teachers or Key Stages or perhaps support with curriculum design. The bespoke nature of these sessions means that each visit will be created especially for each setting.
Curriculum Design
If a school finds itself in the position where the maths curriculum just isn't working for them, perhaps a focus on curriculum design is needed. An in-depth look at what is currently happening in school and what is missing would be undertaken with the leadership team and/or maths lead before determining how best to proceed.
Mathematical Exploration
Exploration enhances pupil learning by fostering curiosity and active engagement. Constructivist theory suggests that hands-on experiences help pupils retain information and develop critical thinking skills, thereby deepening understanding of the mathematics. This approach might be an area of need in your setting and can be a focus for support.
Mathematical Manipulatives
Mathematical manipulatives play a crucial role in the understanding of mathematical structures by providing a tangible way for learners to explore abstract concepts. By using tools like blocks, counters, or tiles, pupils can visualise and manipulate numbers, fostering a deeper comprehension of relationships and operations. This might be something which is missing in your setting and could be developed with support from Freir Maths.
Mathematical Journaling
Mathematical journaling plays a crucial role in prompting learners to contemplate their thought processes and dive deeper into mathematical concepts. By recording their ideas and approaches to problem-solving, pupils enhance their comprehension and their skills in conveying complex mathematical ideas. Perhaps this is an area to be explored in your setting with support from Freir Maths.
Mathematics Moderation
Are you looking to ensure consistency in maths assessment judgements across your setting? These structured sessions can be tailored for your school, academy or cluster. Aligned with the NCETM’s Ready-to-Progress Criteria and Jurassic Hub’s Teaching for Mastery Statement, these sessions are suitable for all educators of Years 1 to 6. Engage in open, respectful discussions and take away areas to focus on in the classroom.
Maths Talk for Maths Leads
Aiming to build a community of mathematical thinkers, Freir Maths is planning on setting up regular network meetings during the year for Dorset primary, infant, junior, first and middle schools. Each session will include national updates, time to share issues and ideas, and a focus on an area of need which the participants can vote for.
If you are interested in this, please contact Louise.
About Freir Maths
Freir Maths specialises in providing expert consultancy and bespoke support for the development of mathematics in schools. Led by Louise Freir, a qualified and experienced primary maths specialist and education consultant, the focus is on empowering leaders to develop teachers' and pupils' confidence, enjoyment and understanding of mathematics from Early Years to Year 8.
Louise Freir works with schools, maths departments, and leadership teams to enhance teaching methods and improve learning outcomes. Her aim is to empower educators with effective strategies, ensuring every student reaches their full potential in mathematics.
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Louise believes in learning through exploration - this has become the underlying principle for her support in schools. She supports leaders to explore their current maths provision through close observation and in-depth discussions asking 'What did you notice?' and drawing the leaders to examine carefully what is currently happening. She works with the team to create bespoke plans which are then carried out over time, ensuring leaders develop their own professionalism and ensuring sustainability within the setting.
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With an exploratory focus at the forefront of her mind, she supports leaders to develop a curriculum which includes pupils finding out for themselves through the use of manipulatives and drawings. She believes communication is key, so a focus on sharing thinking through talk is paramount.
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Journaling in maths is another of Louise's passions and is included in much of the support offered to schools. Through the recording of their ideas using pictures, diagrams, symbols, numbers and words, teachers and pupils alike have shown a deeper understanding of the structure of the maths and are more able to communicate their thinking efficiently.
Testimonials
What They Say
"The support we have received from Louise at Freir Maths has transformed our approach to teaching maths. She understands the needs of our pupils in our special school setting and has helped us design a curriculum which is based on exploration and the real world." Curriculum Lead in a Hampshire special school.
"I really feel I know what I am doing now; the whole process of assessing, planning, teaching, marking and tracking cycle. I am much more confident that I am doing a good job with my children." Teacher supported in a Dorset middle school.
"Maths has completely changed throughout the school. Children are more involved through exploration which is exciting to see." Deputy Head in a Dorset first school.
"Following this support, Maths progress rose from -4 to +0.7 and attainment rose approximately 30% from one year to the next in Key Stage 2." A school principal in an all-through Dorset school.
"Oh! I can see it now - that makes sense!" A year 6 pupil using manipulatives and representations taught by Louise Freir
"I love maths! It's so much fun. I want to learn every day!" A year 1 pupil after receiving tutoring in school by Louise Freir