In this episode, Host Alex Quigley and the EEF’s Maths Content & Engagement Specialist, Grace Coker, are exploring why manipulatives matter in maths.

They speak to Dr Sue Gifford to discuss the research evidence around the use of manipulatives and are then joined by practitioners from both primary and secondary schools to find out the benefits of using manipulatives in their settings.

• Dr Sue Gifford (Early Childhood Maths Group)


• Emma Barker (Assistant headteacher and maths lead, Amberley Primary School; Primary Mastery Specialist and Lead Specialist for Great North Maths Hub) @MissEBarker


• Guy Carpenter (Director of Research and Innovation, Dudley Academies Trust) @gcarp567 www.linkedin.com/in/guy-carpenter-192560305

Further resources

• EEF, Improving Mathematics in the Early Years and Key Stage 1 Guidance Report (October 2021)


• EEF, Improving Mathematics in Key Stages 2 and 3 Guidance Report (November 2022)


• EEF blog, Myth-busting mathematical manipulatives


• EEF blog, Five ways manipulatives can be used to develop mathematical understanding


• EEF guest blog by Emma Barker, Manipulatives: a window into pupils' mathematical thinking