Stanmore Public School

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Year 1 numeracy check trial

27 May 2025

stanmore student and teacher sitting in the library

Stanmore Public School is one of 165 NSW public schools trialling a new Year 1 numeracy check. Picture: Justin Lloyd

The new Year 1 numeracy check is designed to identify students who need extra support with foundational maths skills like addition and subtraction.

The 15-minute check, more like a friendly chat than a formal test, helps teachers quickly spot gaps in understanding and respond early with targeted support.

Prue Car with students

Principal Ben Heinecke said the check is a positive step to ensure no student is left behind.

Mr Heinecke explained, "This is not a formal test, it’s a sit-down chat to have a bit of fun with numbers with your teacher … you’re not sitting down doing a written exam. It is a great opportunity for all schools to ensure that no child is falling through the cracks.” He also highlighted the value of early support, “We know students who develop strong maths and numeracy skills early are better equipped to achieve success throughout school and into later life. These checks are a great way to help us identify students who require support in time for our teachers to make a difference.”

This initiative is part of a statewide effort to improve numeracy outcomes and will inform benchmarks for a broader rollout across NSW in 2026.

Kristie O’Neill, Director of Literacy and Numeracy at the NSW Department of Education, said the new check plays a key role in lifting student outcomes, “Ultimately ... we need to reduce the number of students below proficiency in Year 3 NAPLAN in numeracy, and increase those that are exceeding proficiency as well. The screener, we think, is a really effective way to meet that goal.”

By participating in this trial, Stanmore PS is helping shape a tool that could benefit students across the country - while ensuring our own students receive the support they need to build strong maths foundations.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare with Stanmore student

Last week, Stanmore Public School had the pleasure of hosting Deputy Premier Prue Car, Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare, and NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar, who visited to see the Year 1 numeracy check in action.

Deputy Premier Car said, “By identifying at-risk students early, we can ensure that they receive the necessary support in time to get them back on track and reach their full potential.”

Minister Clare emphasised the importance of early intervention, saying it will “change lives and help more children catch up, keep up and finish school.” He added, “It’s great to see New South Wales bursting out of the starting blocks and trialling this in 165 schools this year.”

Their visit highlights the vital role Stanmore Public School is playing in shaping the future of early numeracy education in NSW.

students laughing together in the library
Ministerial media release

Number Screening Check trial

More than 7,000 Year 1 students across 165 NSW public schools will take part in a new Number Screening Check over the next two weeks, providing teachers with the opportunity for early intervention.
Learn more

Insta posts

View the Instagram posts from Jason Clare MP and Murat Dizdar following their visit.

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Stanmore Public School's community acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the Country upon which the school stands. We would like to pay our respects to Elders both past and present, and to the children of today who are the Elders of the future.

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