The purpose of the Multiplication Tables Check is to determine whether your child can fluently recall their times tables up to 12, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help your child’s school to identify if your child may need additional support.
What is the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC)?
The MTC is an on-screen check consisting of 25 times table questions. Your child will be able to answer 3 practice questions before taking the actual check. They will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.
What if my child cannot access the MTC?
There are several access arrangements available for the check, which can be used to support pupils with specific needs. Your child’s teacher will ensure that the access arrangements are appropriate for your child before they take the check in June.
The check was designed to be inclusive and accessible to as many children as possible, including those with special educational needs or disability (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL). However, there may be some circumstances in which it will not be appropriate for a pupil to take the check, even when using suitable access arrangements.
If you have any concerns about your child accessing the check, you should discuss these with your child’s class teacher- Miss Ball, the SENDCo- Mrs Smith or the Principal- Miss Marshall.
How can I support my child to prepare for the MTC?
Teachers may ask you to practise times tables with your child at home. The children will also be accessing online practice MTC's as part of the Maths lessons in school. We will also provide you to links for these if you wish to try them out at home. It is just as important to practice online versions of the MTC to enable pupils to become familiar with the format of the check.
An official 'try it out' MTC is available to schools from April. This includes opportunities for pupils to familiarise themselves with the check application and try out any access arrangements that may be required.
How will the results be used?
Schools will have access to all their pupils’ results a few weeks after the window for completing the test is closed. This enables schools to identify pupils who may need additional support and to set further interventions for supporting pupils with times tables knowledge.
Will I receive feedback on my child's MTC result?
Yes. Your child’s class teacher will share your child’s score with you in their end of year report, as they would with all national curriculum assessments. There is no pass mark for the check.
