What we do
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Maths Hub?
Each Maths Hub is made up of a partnership of schools, colleges and other organisations working together to provide support for maths teaching in a particular region of England.
A hub’s work takes many forms and includes face-to-face CPD and online support. Every hub runs several projects each year which enable teachers and teaching assistants to work collaboratively with the support of local leaders of maths education (LLMEs).
When were Maths Hubs first established?
The first 32 Maths Hubs were announced in July 2014. The most recent hubs (including Abacus NW Maths Hub) were launched in September 2020, bringing the total to 40 hubs.
What is a Lead School?
Each hub is led by one or two Lead Schools or colleges, but it is in fact a partnership of schools, colleges and other organisations working together to improve maths education in an area. The Lead School identifies strategic partners – people who help plan and evaluate the hub’s work – and operational partners – people who help carry out the hub’s work.
The Lead School or college for each hub is selected through a process run by the Department for Education (DfE) and the NCETM. The selection process identifies schools that demonstrate the credibility, capacity and commitment to lead a Maths Hub.
How are Maths Hubs funded?
The DfE funds the Maths Hubs Programme.
Where is my nearest Maths Hub?
If you are unsure of your local Maths Hub, you can use the search tool on the NCETM website. You can search using your school’s name, or its location.
How do I become involved with Abacus NW Maths Hub?
Take a look at the projects on offer. You can contact us to discuss which projects would be most suitable for you and your school.
Where is my nearest project?
We try to spread Work Groups right across our region and our aim is to ensure that you have access to appropriate CPD regardless of where you are based in Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool or Lancashire. If you are interested in a project but there does not appear to be one running near you, contact us for advice.
What is the format of the projects?
When you take part in a project with your Maths Hub, you will engage in one of four types of professional development activity - a programme, a community, a Work Group, or targeted support in maths. All of these enable teachers to take part flexibly online and face-to-face. Some Work Groups – one of the forms of CPD – are unique to our hub.
Does it cost to join a project?
No, the Maths Hubs Programme is funded by the DfE. All of our projects are either free to attend or have funding attached to go towards supply cover.
How can I receive the latest Abacus NW Maths Hub updates?
Join the mailing list to get news of our events, webinars and projects for maths professionals, as well as regional and national updates on all things maths.
How can I get involved?
If you are seeking support from a Maths Hub, please get in touch to see what work we are doing and how we might be able to support you. We would also love to hear from you if you have ideas for work or expertise that you would like to share with the Maths Hub.
Whatever your school’s need, phase or position, and whatever your interest, there will be a programme for you. Check out the free maths CPD we have on offer.