West Of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Cabot Primary School in Bristol to meet school children and take part in a maths lesson, using fun activities and games to encourage learning, and in order to celebrate the NSPCC’s Number Day.
Number Day, which took place last Friday 2 February is an annual event which aims to encourage children to take part in mathematics whilst also helping to raise funds for the children’s charity. On Number Day itself Cabot Primary School children and staff dressed ‘up for digits’ by wearing number themed costumes and clothing.
Dozens of schools across the South West took part in Number Day to help vital funds for the NSPCC and ensure the charity can provide services such as its schools service which sees staff and volunteers delivering Speak Out Stay Safe workshops which aim to protect children from sexual abuse.
The Mayor said he was keen to support Number Day having previously worked as a child protection officer before entering politics. “NSPCC Number Day at Cabot School is not just about solving equations; it’s about multiplying smiles, dividing laughter, and subtracting any notion that maths can’t be a blast.
“Maths is also so important for getting a high-skilled, well paid job in the future.
“Number Day is also raising vital funds to help protect children in Bristol. As a former child protection officer, who was trained by the NSPCC, this is an issue close to my heart.”
Nicola Redwood, Inclusion Leader at Cabot Primary School, said, “We are delighted to welcome Dan Norris to Cabot Primary School to help us celebrate NSPCC’s Number Day. Fostering a love of this vital subject from a young age has lifelong benefits, not just within a chosen career but in every day life.
“Our philosophy is that happy learners make successful learners, so these Number Day activities, in addition to dressing up for digits, will go a long way to achieving this.”
Tara Wright, NSPCC Schools Co-ordinator for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, added, “Number Day is a fantastic time for all children to explore their love of maths. It’s always great to see how the day is celebrated and we hope lots of schools and nurseries in Bristol and beyond continue sign up to our mathemagical day of learning and play.
“Around 90 per cent of the NSPCC’s income comes from supporters, including schools, and the charity simply couldn’t run its vital services that help so many children and young people without such support. Every pound raised adds up.”