The Improving Maths Pedagogy and Practice scale (IMPP) is an innovative way of assessing and improving the quality and effectiveness of mathematics teaching in the first few years of primary or elementary schooling. It is informed by the evidence base of practice shown to improve children’s outcomes, and extensive professional development delivered by the authors.

The IMPP supports both the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of teaching mathematics to young children, encourages positive dispositions towards maths, and addresses issues such as maths anxiety and disengagement. It focuses on teaching developmentally appropriate maths with understanding, using ‘maths talk’, child-friendly contexts, concrete, pictorial and abstract representations to their best effect.

This unique measurement scale supports –

• the teaching of early mathematics in primary/elementary schools, using the evidence base of what works best to support fluency and mastery
• teachers’ content and pedagogical content knowledge of mathematics, including comprehensive sets of practical examples
• quality improvement processes and self-assessment of the mathematics taught in classrooms
• children learning mathematics with understanding, which also supports their engagement, enjoyment and achievements
• researchers, auditors and/or inspectors looking for a measure of mathematical quality and effectiveness in the classroom

The IMPP will help teachers and school leadership successfully develop their children’s mathematical understanding, reasoning and problem solving. Educators can use the scale for self-evaluation of their own practice, so they can build on what they already do well and improve where required. Leadership teams and mentors can use it to audit quality, support positive discussions and set effective development targets. The scale is particularly useful when supporting children living with disadvantage, and those with additional learning needs and maths anxiety.