Spotlight: Signs and Symptoms of Dyscalculia and Maths Difficulties

*This session is online! Do not worry if you can not watch live on the night – still book and we will send you the recording later in the week.*

Early intervention in both dyscalculia and maths difficulties is crucial for supporting learners effectively. Developing a clear understanding of the differences between dyscalculia, general maths difficulties, and other factors that impact mathematical learning is essential for providing appropriate support.

This talk explores how to identify the key indicators of dyscalculia and outlines the assessment process. It emphasises the importance of assessment for teaching intervention, highlighting that understanding how a learner approaches maths is just as important as formal diagnostic testing.

We will also examine why maths can be such a challenging subject to learn, including the cognitive and educational factors that influence progress. The concept of the “Jenga effect” will be introduced to illustrate how gaps in foundational knowledge can affect future learning.

Finally, the session will explore what effective teaching interventions should look like to support learners with maths difficulties, including the important role that maths games can play in reinforcing understanding and engagement.

We will cover:

• Definitions of Dyscalculia and Maths difficulties
• Key indicators evidenced in the classroom and at home
• How does the assessment process work for maths
• Assessment for teaching intervention using the new publication: ‘Maths and Dyscalculia Assessment’
• Why is maths so hard?
• The Jenga Effect
• What does a teaching intervention for maths look like?
• Maths Games

Rob is the co-founder of The Dyscalculia Network, an organisation that provides training and advice for teachers and parents supporting pupils with maths difficulties.

He has over 15 years’ experience teaching young people with special educational needs. Over the past decade, he has specialised in supporting children who struggle with maths, working across both independent and state schools.

Rob is a member of the CRESTED Council, where he represents issues relating to dyscalculia and maths difficulties across specialist schools throughout the UK.

He holds an OCR Level 5 Diploma in Teaching Learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (Distinction) from Helen Arkell. He is also co-author of The Maths Difficulties and Dyscalculia Assessment, published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in July 2025. This assessment is unique in that it not only measures scoring accuracy but also explores the strategies and techniques learners use when tackling key areas of foundational maths.

Rob has delivered presentations at a wide range of educational exhibitions and has worked with schools, colleges, and universities both across the UK and internationally.

To celebrate Rob Jennings spotlight session, we are offering 10% off his The Maths and Dyscalculia Assessment book until 30th June 2026! Find his book here.

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