What Are We Doing to Support Pupils with Dyscalculia - and What Could We Try Next?

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty that affects a person’s ability to understand numbers and carry out mathematical tasks. While it’s often compared to dyslexia (but for maths), it’s not about being “bad at maths” — it’s a neurological difference that affects how the brain processes numerical information.

Children with dyscalculia may struggle with basic number sense, place value, telling the time, estimating, or recalling maths facts like times tables. You might notice pupils who:

• Always use their fingers to count — even for simple sums

• Confuse symbols like + and ×

• Struggle to sequence steps or follow multi-step problems

• Appear anxious or avoidant during maths activities

• Have difficulty recognising patterns or estimating quantities

Classroom Strategies that Help

The good news? With the right strategies in place, pupils with dyscalculia can build their confidence and experience success. Here are some practical ways school staff can support them:

1. Use visual and concrete tools

Manipulatives like counters, base-ten blocks, bead strings, and number lines help make abstract concepts more concrete. Encourage regular use of these tools, even beyond early years.

2. Focus on understanding, not speed

Avoid timed tests or speed drills, which can heighten anxiety and discourage progress. Instead, prioritise understanding and fluency at each child’s own pace.

3. Break tasks into small, manageable steps

Scaffold tasks carefully and use clear, step-by-step instructions. Consider breaking maths questions down visually using flow charts or checklists.

4. Repeat and revisit concepts

Pupils with dyscalculia often need more time and repetition to secure their understanding. Plan regular opportunities for revisiting key concepts in different contexts.

5. Encourage metacognitive strategies

Talk through problems aloud, model your thinking, and teach pupils to do the same. Phrases like “What do I know?” and “What do I need to find out?” can support problem-solving routines.

6. Use technology to support learning

Apps and tools like DoodleMaths, Numicon Interactive, or visual calculators can support independent learning and reinforce concepts in engaging ways.

7. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Even small wins matter. Help pupils set achievable goals and celebrate each step forward — this can rebuild maths confidence and reduce fear of failure.

Want to build your whole team’s confidence with SEND?

Dyscalculia is just one part of the wider picture when it comes to learning differences — and having a confident, consistent staff approach makes all the difference.

That’s why our SkillsBridge package includes the SEND Discovery course — a brilliant starting point for any school looking to upskill their staff in inclusive, classroom-ready practice.

Whether you’re new to SEND or looking to deepen your team’s understanding, SkillsBridge gives you flexible, on-demand access to CPD content that can be used across the year.

Ready to take a closer look?

Let’s talk about how SkillsBridge can support your school.

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