The Big Number Natter: York celebrates National Numeracy Day

York residents are being invited to join the celebrations for The Big Number Natter: National Numeracy Day (Wednesday 22 May).

York Learning and Multiply – national Government-funded numeracy courses - are inviting people to pop along to the Garden Room at York Explore Library Learning Centre on Wednesday anytime between 9:30am – 12:30pm to find out more about how residents can improve their numeracy skills in York over a cuppa, cake and fun quiz.

Numeracy skills are important at all ages and can help people in their everyday lives, from managing finances or helping children with their homework. It can also help people to get a new job or study for further qualifications.

A wide range of maths courses are available to suit every level. Residents who don’t already have a GCSE grade C/4 or higher in Maths or equivalent, and need to improve their numeracy, can access free flexible Multiply courses that fit around their lives.

Multiply gives people access to beginner and advanced courses and qualifications. They can take from as little as two hours to a few weeks to complete. Some are available in the evenings and part time.

They cover different maths topics which can:

• increase your confidence with numbers
• help you use maths in everyday life, such as budgeting, cooking and gardening
• lead to qualifications afterwards, such as functional skills and GCSEs
• support you to progress in work or to higher levels of training

Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for children, young people and education, said:

“Whilst not everyone has had a positive experience with maths in the past, it’s a big part of our everyday lives and basic numeracy skills really can help to improve lives. Ensuring all residents in the city have access to high quality skills and learning for all is a priority for the council and I’d encourage anyone who isn’t ‘maths confident’ to find out more about how they can increase their skills. It’s easy and straightforward to do and can take as little as a couple of hours of time.”

 Find out more by popping along to York Explore on Wednesday for a ‘number natter’ or by visiting www.yorklearning.org.uk/multiply