Year 2
Useful Information
RE, English, Maths, Science & Foundation Subjects Autumn Year 2
Why We Are Using KIRFs Across Our School
At OLMC, we are committed to helping every child build strong foundations in mathematics. One of the ways we are doing this is by replacing Rapid Recall and introducing KIRFs (Key Instant Recall Facts) as a whole-school strategy.
What are KIRFs?
KIRFs are carefully selected number facts that children are expected to learn and recall instantly. These include facts such as number bonds, times tables, doubles and halves, and place value knowledge. They are designed to support children’s mental maths and fluency.
Why are KIRFs important?
- Build Confidence: When children can recall key facts quickly, they feel more confident tackling more complex problems.
- Support Reasoning: Quick recall frees up working memory, allowing children to focus on problem-solving and reasoning.
- Consistency Across Year Groups: A whole-school approach ensures progression and consistency, helping children build on prior knowledge year after year.
- Preparation for Future Learning: KIRFs lay the groundwork for success in upper Key Stage 2 and beyond, including SATs and secondary school maths.
How will it work?
Each half term, children will focus on a specific set of KIRFs appropriate to their year group. These will be practised in school and shared with families to support learning at home. Regular practice helps embed these facts into long-term memory.
How can you help at home?
We’ll provide simple activities and games to make practising KIRFs fun and engaging. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference!