We all know that the very best position for a school to be in is to have each and every maths lesson delivered by a specialist mathematics teacher.  We share that aim and aspiration, but the reality is that many schools across the country are dealing with the impact of a national recruitment crisis.  There simply is not enough maths teachers to fill the roles.

Head teachers are then faced with tough decisions about how to staff the provision of maths.  In many cases, long term supply, the use of HLTAs or other non-qualified staff, or internal day to day cover by colleagues is the only option.  These staff strive to provide the best possible learning experience for their students and heads of maths work hard to support them.  But what if there was another solution?  What if those colleagues standing in for a maths teacher were also able to deliver effective maths lessons, while at the same easing the crushing burden on the head of maths?

La Salle Education specialises in improving mathematics education in schools and colleges in England.

Using our extensive platform, Complete Mathematics, teachers are able to access teaching, learning and assessment resources and support covering the entire age and ability range.  Many teachers use the system to deliver their maths curriculum.

La Salle is also able to offer schools a unique solution to a maths specialist shortage.  Using the Complete Mathematics platform and working alongside your HLTA, cover manager or supply teacher, a La Salle mathematics expert will plan and monitor every lesson, giving extensive support to the temporary staff member to ensure that they are delivering impactful lessons that get the most out of your students.  In addition, your Complete Mathematics Mentor will set regular, meaningful homework for every child and monitor their progress, providing frequent reporting to the head of maths.

The process is simple and flexible so that head teachers are able to continue their search for a specialist teacher, safe in the knowledge that the temporary solution is as effective as possible.  A La Salle Mentor will visit your school, meet with the head of maths to learn about schemes of work and the current attainment of the students.  Where possible, the Complete Mathematics Mentor will also meet face-to-face with the member of staff who will be delivering the lessons.  Then, through the Complete Mathematics platform, the Mentor will plan every lesson for each class involved.  Students will also have access to an online environment where they can see their maths lessons and collect and submit their homework.  During the period of mentorship, the Mentor will discuss progress regularly with the HLTA, cover manager or supply teacher, engaging them with co-planning and exploring effective approaches.

We understand that head teachers need flexibility, so contracting a La Salle Mentor is made easy with a simple month-to-month commitment.  We don’t tie you in and will even do all that we can to help you find a full-time specialist teacher to fill your post as quickly as possible.

Only La Salle has the ability to offer such a comprehensive service to schools.  Complete Mathematics covers every single lesson from Year 1 to Year 11, so no matter what the ability range of the classes involved, we have it covered.

Of course, nothing beats having a specialist teacher, but in the meantime why shouldn’t your students receive the most effective lessons possible?  For more information about the programme, please visit the Solving Maths Teacher Shortages page.