Targeted Support in Mathematics (TSM)
Andy Burton, Stour Vale Teacher Training Hub Lead and Assistant Maths Hub Lead for the Central Maths Hub, explains how Stour Vale is involved in delivering a new national programme of maths support to schools outside the Trust. Andy is responsible for coordinating the local secondary aspect of the programme.
‘Targeted support in Maths’ is one of the more recent additions to the programmes of support offered by the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics (NCETM). Its principles are informed by and intend to support good implementation practice, working with schools to support them in developing the foundations of implementation.
Ultimately TSM is designed to increase the capacity and leadership of the maths department, which will in time lead to improved outcomes for young people and enable schools in challenging contexts to take advantage of future support.
This school improvement work involves a team of highly skilled maths leaders who are willing and able to support schools outside of their organisation which are often faced with challenging local contexts. The wider team are known as Intensive Support Partners (ISPs).
The Central Maths Hub supports schools in Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley through the TSM programme. As a hub, Central supported nine secondary schools in 2023/24, which accounted for more than 10% of the national figures. This is a fantastic achievement given there are 40 maths hubs across the country.
Being located in a priority education investment area (PEIA), Sandwell schools are prioritised within TSM, and two Stour Vale member schools – Newtown Primary School and Oldbury Academy – are already part of the programme.