How to Help Your Child Prepare

If you have a child in Year 4, you may have heard about the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) — a statutory assessment introduced by the Department for Education to ensure children have a strong grasp of their times tables before they move into upper Key Stage 2.

But what is the test all about, and how can you support your child to feel confident and prepared?

What is the Multiplication Tables Check?

The MTC is an online test that takes place in the summer term of Year 4. It’s designed to assess how well children know their times tables up to 12 x 12. Fluency in times tables is crucial — it’s the foundation for many areas of maths, from division and fractions to problem-solving and mental arithmetic.

The test consists of 25 questions, and children have just 6 seconds to answer each one. It’s not about written methods — it’s all about speed and recall.

Is it high-pressure?

Not at all. Schools are encouraged to keep the process relaxed and supportive. The results are not published in league tables and won’t be used to judge individual pupils. Instead, the check is used to help identify if further support is needed.

How can I help my child at home?

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prepare that don’t feel like hard work:

• Little and often – Just 5–10 minutes a day can make a big difference. Regular practice is key to building speed and confidence.
• Use online games and apps – Fun tools like Times Tables Rock Stars or Hit the Button can make learning feel like play.
• Get creative – Use flashcards, quizzes at the dinner table, or even sing times tables songs together in the car.
• Focus on tricky ones – Many children get stuck on the 6s, 7s, 8s, and 12s. Help them spot patterns or relate them to tables they already know.
• Celebrate effort – Praise their progress and avoid putting pressure on performance. A positive attitude is more important than perfection.

At The Harrogate International Academy, we offer friendly, tailored support to help children prepare for assessments like the MTC with confidence. If you’d like extra help building your child’s fluency in maths, we’re here to support both you and your child every step of the way.

Let’s make times tables less stressful — and even a little fun!