Lisa Baggaley, Curriculum and Assessment Manager at SIL, reflects on the news that this hugely impactful intervention has been re-instated as an EEF promising project.
“After more than a decade of delivering 1stClass@Number 1, I’m delighted to see this impactful programme formally recognised by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) as a ‘Promising Project.’
This news follows two successful effectiveness trials, which highlight what many of us have long known - this intervention works!
Updated in 2022 in response to the 2020 DfE Mathematics Guidance, it’s part of a series of Every Child Counts (ECC) programmes developed by Edge Hill University.
1stClass@Number 1 supports children who are struggling with numeracy in Year 2 to make accelerated progress.
Led by trained teaching assistants, it shows that structured, engaging small group tuition is effective for improving pupils’ attainment, particularly when targeted to their specific needs.
Previous participants have told me that they ‘learn something new’ at each session and that it’s even given them ideas for whole-class key skills sessions.
The EEF’s findings show that children who took part made, on average, two additional months’ progress in maths compared to those who did not.
1stClass@Number 1 has been awarded a high evidence rating, alongside being praised for low-cost implementation.
Being re-instated as a 'Promising Project' - this research-based programme could form a key part of your Pupil Premium strategy with proven impact in supporting vulnerable learners.
A new online course begins this September, and we encourage schools looking for cost-effective, evidence-based programmes to support high-quality maths teaching to consider 1stClass@Number 1.
At SIL, we are proud to have championed this intervention for over a decade. Our work is always rooted in evidence-based practice, and 1stClass@Number 1 is another great example of this."
Fri 10th Jul 2026
The day will explore how schools can strengthen inclusive practice, address disadvantage, enhance adaptive teaching and create cultures of belonging where every child feels valued and supported.
Thu 09th Jul 2026
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all the schools and pupils who took part in our recent Primary MFL FIFA World Cup Poster Competition.
Tue 23rd Jun 2026
From immersive cultural learning experiences to internationally renowned professional development, these opportunities are designed to inspire both pupils and staff.
Mon 08th Jun 2026
Ensuring every pupil becomes a confident, fluent reader remains one of the most important and challenging priorities for schools. SIL is addressing this head-on with the introduction of the SIL Reading Development Course (RDC)
“A highly st
Fri 05th Jun 2026
Issue 27 (May 2026) of Impact Magazine features a perspective article on the main findings from an evaluative stakeholder study of SIL's new Early Years SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) advocacy training programme. “The programme is fostering inclusive cultures where every chi
Wed 03rd Jun 2026
Join experts in a discussion on the language-education landscape in the North-West and explore new ways of working together, to make the North-West a truly multilingual region.
