Plus 1 – Build Number Confidence from Day One

 

Plus 1 is the first book in a proven maths intervention series designed to help children and adults make real progress with numeracy. It acts as a step-by-step coaching manual, enabling teachers, parents, teaching assistants and tutors to provide high-quality one-to-one or small-group support with confidence.

The book focuses on the essential building blocks of number, helping learners develop mental calculation skills, accuracy and confidence through carefully structured, repeated practice. Whether used in primary schools, SEN settings or at home, Plus 1 provides a clear pathway from basic counting to confident number understanding.

Plus 1 – Structured Maths Practice for Early Years, SEN & Adult Numeracy

Plus 1 is a highly effective numeracy intervention book designed for anyone who benefits from repeated, structured maths practice. It is used widely in primary schools, SEN settings and adult basic skills programmes across Ireland and the UK.

The book supports learners who need extra reinforcement, clear explanations and confidence-building success, making it ideal for both children and adults who struggle with number concepts.

 

Who Is Plus 1 Suitable For?

Plus 1 is designed to support a wide range of learners, from early years through to adult numeracy.

Age Range

  • From 5 years old
  • Through primary school
  • Up to adult basic numeracy

Special Educational Needs

Plus 1 is especially effective for learners with:

  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • English as an Additional Language (EAL)
  • Maths anxiety
  • Low confidence with numbers

The book uses clear language, repetition and highly structured layouts to help learners build understanding and retain key number skills.

 

What Does Plus 1 Teach?

Plus 1 focuses on core number skills up to 10, ensuring learners master the fundamentals before moving on.

Topics include:

  • Counting forwards and backwards
  • Adding numbers up to 10
  • Subtracting numbers up to 10
  • Introduction to doubling
  • Introduction to halving

These skills form the foundation for all later maths learning and are essential for:

  • Classroom success
  • Everyday numeracy
  • SEN intervention
  • Adult education

Plus 1 was created to support learners who need more practice and reinforcement than is usually available in mainstream lessons.

 

How Is Plus 1 Used?

Plus 1 uses a unique, research-based mastery approach.

Each question must be answered correctly on three separate days to ensure the skill is fully learned and retained.

How it works

  • ✔ A correct answer = tick
  • ● An incorrect answer = dot
  • Three ticks across different days = mastery

Students are encouraged to:

  • Work mentally
  • Use the built-in working space only if needed
  • Build speed, accuracy and confidence

Recommended use

  • 4–5 times per week
  • 10–15 minutes per session
  • Ideal for daily intervention or catch-up programmes

This system creates visible progress, motivating learners through tangible success.

 

Best Ways to Use Plus 1

Plus 1 is extremely flexible and works in many learning environments:

  • Parents using it at home
  • Schools running numeracy intervention programmes
  • Teaching assistants delivering small-group support
  • Peer mentoring or buddy systems
  • Prep schools boosting maths attainment
  • Adult basic skills tutors

Many schools use Plus 1 both in class and at home for maximum impact.

 

Does Plus 1 Actually Work?

Yes — and the results speak for themselves.

Over 80% of Plus 1 sales are repeat orders from schools, meaning teachers continue to reorder because they see real improvements in learners’ maths ability and confidence.

The programme was originally developed in response to schools asking for:

  • A simple
  • effective
  • evidence-based
  • low-stress numeracy resource

Plus 1 continues to deliver measurable improvement from the very first weeks of use.