Many children fall behind in maths at some point. It might be due to missed lessons, difficulty with certain topics, or a general loss of confidence. But the good news is that with the right support, they can catch up and even begin to enjoy maths again.
If you're looking for catch-up maths online in the UK, there are several effective approaches you can try. These methods are suitable for children aged 5 to 13 and are based on how children learn best — with regular practice, simple steps, and steady progress.
This guide outlines strategies that help children catch up in a natural and manageable way. Whether your child needs to revisit basic number skills or prepare for an entrance exam, the ideas below can help make a real difference.
Why Do Children Fall Behind in Maths?
There are many reasons a child may start to struggle with maths. Some of the most common include:
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Missing school due to illness, holidays, or lockdowns
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Moving to a new school or changing teachers
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Difficulty understanding how a topic was taught
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Feeling anxious about maths and avoiding it
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Losing track of earlier learning, which affects new topics
In most cases, children are not far behind. What they need is a way to rebuild their knowledge slowly, in a way that sticks.
Start With Core Skills
When helping a child catch up, the first step is to focus on the basics. This includes understanding numbers, place value, and how the number system works.
Simple tasks like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing should be revisited often. Encourage your child to say what they are thinking aloud. This helps to check if they understand or are just guessing.
Flashcards, number bonds, and short mental maths games can also help strengthen core skills without being too formal.
Use a Spiral Learning Approach
Rather than focusing on one topic at a time, it can be more helpful to revisit all areas of maths regularly. This is known as Spiral learning.
Children may forget what they learned last term if they never see it again. But when topics return each week in small amounts, children have more chances to understand and remember.
SMASH Maths uses this exact method in all of its weekly practice sessions. Pupils aged 5 to 13 are given a short set of questions every week that include a mix of topics. This keeps their skills sharp and highlights areas that need more attention.
Practice Little and Often
It is far more effective to practise maths for 15 minutes a few times a week than to do one long session once a fortnight. Children stay focused and are more likely to remember what they’ve learned.
Look for resources that give weekly tasks, so your child can get into a regular habit. Consistent effort is what brings the best results, especially when catching up on missed learning.
Support Visual Learning
Some children need to see maths to understand it. Pictures, diagrams, and models make it easier for children to grasp new ideas.
Try using:
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Number lines and 100 squares
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Place value charts
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Bar models and pie charts
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Counters, coins, or small objects
Many online maths programmes now include interactive visuals and video explanations. This is especially helpful for visual learners who may find plain numbers confusing.
Check Understanding Straight Away
When children practise maths, they need to know whether they got the answer right or not. Waiting for a teacher or parent to mark it later can slow things down.
One of the best parts of using a digital maths programme is that it gives instant feedback. SMASH Maths automatically marks each question. This helps children learn from their mistakes straight away and saves time for parents too.
Make Maths Part of Daily Life
Helping your child see how maths is used every day builds interest and reduces fear. Simple activities can be very effective.
You can:
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Ask your child to help weigh ingredients while cooking
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Let them handle money and count change
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Work out journey times together
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Estimate how long tasks take
The more your child sees maths outside of worksheets, the more natural it becomes.
Choose the Right Catch-Up Programme
If you are looking for catch-up maths support in the UK, it helps to find a programme that suits your child’s stage and learning pace. Many websites offer lessons, but not all are structured in a way that helps children who are behind.
Look for a programme that:
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Covers the full maths curriculum
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Includes a mix of topics each week
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Is affordable and easy to use at home
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Gives instant feedback so progress can be tracked
How SMASH Maths Helps Children Catch Up
At SMASH Maths, we understand how easy it is for children to fall behind in maths — and how stressful it can be for families. That’s why we designed a system that gives children what they need most: regular, well-structured practice that revisits every topic every week.
Here’s what makes SMASH Maths different:
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Weekly online practice using the Spiral learning method
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Covers all topics in the primary curriculum
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Suitable for ages 5 to 13
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All questions are auto-marked
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Affordable at only £6 per month per child
We offer three simple options for families:
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Catch Up – for pupils who need to fill gaps and rebuild core understanding
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Keep On Track – for pupils who are progressing steadily and want to stay confident
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Prepare for Exam – for children preparing for the 7+ or 11+ exams who need more challenge
SMASH Maths is also used by UK schools to support their pupils. Our system can work alongside school teaching or be used at home.
If your child needs extra support in maths, our weekly practice can help them grow in confidence and skill — one step at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best way to help my child catch up in maths?
Start with regular, short practice sessions that cover a variety of topics. Avoid cramming and focus on building understanding over time.
Can my child use SMASH Maths alongside schoolwork?
Yes. SMASH Maths is designed to fit around school lessons. Many families use it as a weekly top-up to help children stay on track.
How long does it take to see progress?
Most children show signs of improvement within a few weeks of consistent practice. The key is regular effort and revisiting past learning.
Is SMASH Maths good for different ability levels?
Yes. The programme is used by children who are catching up, maintaining progress, or preparing for entrance exams. It is designed to meet a range of needs.
Do parents need to mark the work?
No. All practice sessions are auto-marked, so children and parents can see results straight away. This saves time and gives clear feedback.
Final Note
Catching up in maths is possible with the right support and routine. Children respond well to steady practice, helpful feedback, and a clear path forward. If you're looking for a trusted way to help your child feel confident in maths again, SMASH Maths can help.
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