Information for Parents

The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a statutory assessment in schools, for children in Year 4, administered in the Summer Term. The purpose of the MTC is to determine whether pupils can recall their times tables (up to 12 x 12) fluently, which is essential for future success in mathematics. It will also help the school to identify pupils who may need additional support.

What does the check involve?

The MTC is an on-screen, online check consisting of 25 times tables questions. Your child will answer 3 practice questions before moving on to the official check and will then have 6 seconds to answer each question. On average, the check should take no longer than 5 minutes to complete.

The MTC has been designed to be inclusive, which means it is also accessible to children with special educational needs (SEND) or English as an additional language (EAL).

What does the check measure?   

The MTC is designed to determine whether Year 4 pupils can fluently recall their times tables up to 12 x 12. It does not check related division facts.

What do I need to do?

As part of usual practice, your child’s teacher will ask you to regularly practice times tables with your child. The answers need to be entered within 6 seconds, so it will benefit your child greatly if they can have access to a touch screen device or computer at home to practice. This activity on Maths Frame mirrors the 'Multiplication Tables Check' that will be given to children. The questions are generated randomly using the same rules as the 'Multiplication Tables Check.’

If your child does not have access to a tablet or computer, please practise the times tables with them as much as possible at home, using flashcards for example. We will also be preparing pupils for the on-screen nature of the MTC in school, by practicing entering answers electronically on an iPad.

How will the data be used?

Children will not ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ the check; it will provide a snapshot of how fluent they are with multiplication facts up to 12 x 12. Following the check, the performance data will be published. The data from the check will be used at school level to identify pupils who may need additional support and intervention in securing their multiplication facts in Upper Key Stage 2 (Year 5 and Year 6).

Full information about the MTC and what it involves can be found by clicking here.