Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check: What Parents Need to Know and How to Help

In Year 4, children across England take part in the Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) — a short online assessment designed to ensure pupils can fluently recall their times tables up to 12 × 12. This check takes place in June and is an important milestone in your child’s maths journey.

What Is the Multiplication Tables Check?

• The check consists of 25 questions covering times tables from 2 to 12.

• Children have 6 seconds to answer each question, with a 3-second pause between questions.

• The test is completed digitally and takes less than 5 minutes.

• It helps identify children who need further support with times tables — it’s not a formal exam or judgement of ability.

How Can Parents and Carers Support at Home?

Helping your child feel confident with times tables can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to support their learning:

• Daily practice: Just 5–10 minutes a day can build speed and accuracy.

• Use songs, rhymes, and patterns to make learning fun and memorable.

• Praise effort and progress, not just correct answers — this builds confidence.

• Play games together that involve multiplication facts.

• Encourage your child to explain their thinking — this deepens understanding.

Recommended Websites and Interactive Games

Here are some engaging tools to help your child practise:

By making times tables practice part of your child’s daily routine and using these engaging resources, you’ll help them feel confident and prepared — not just for the check, but for all the maths challenges ahead!