Mathematics education ''needs updating''

Teaching contractors should be subject to new guidelines when it comes to conducting maths lessons.

A new set of government guidelines and expectations is needed in order for teaching contractors to present maths lessons more effectively, an expert believes.

John Coe, chairman of the National Association for Primary Education, explained that the current system is simply not working for many pupils, as confirmed by the Vorderman report.

"Current policies centred on 'expected' levels, national testing and performance league tables has had a seriously negative effect on national competency and attitudes," he explained.

Mr Coe highlighted that current teaching styles mean that children are encouraged to come up with tricks to answer exam questions, rather than learning the mechanics behind the sums.

In many cases, children will quickly lose the skills they gain at school unless they are put into practice.

He emphasised that the UK is at risk of being left with a generation that cannot calculate how many rolls of wallpaper they will need to cover a room.