'She gets the sums right but freezes when she sees a word problem'
That is a different problem from not knowing multiplication facts. Some children can calculate fluently but struggle to translate a story into an operation, especially when the question is in English. Others understand the language but cannot visualise the quantities. Before practising ten more sums, ask the child to tell the story of the question in their own words. A drawing, counters or a number line may reveal what they do and do not understand.
Confidence often follows understanding, not the other way round
When a child repeatedly says 'I'm bad at maths', broad reassurance may not change their experience. Offer one achievable problem that targets the sticking point, ask them to explain the method and acknowledge the strategy rather than speed. If a method fails, compare two approaches. The goal is to make mistakes discussable instead of frightening.
Find the precise sticking point
Ask your child to talk through one recent problem. Can they explain what the numbers mean? Can they choose an operation? Does the difficulty appear only when the question is written in English?
Use worked examples carefully
Research on metacognition emphasises modelling thinking aloud and then gradually removing prompts. Show why a method works, invite the child to explain it, and check whether they can use it on a different question.
Small groups are not automatically better
EEF reviews suggest targeted small-group tuition can help, especially when aligned with classroom learning. Ask about actual group size, age mix, goals and how the tutor checks understanding.
How to spot the difference between practice and tutoring
Practice is useful when the child already understands a skill and needs fluency. Tutoring is more appropriate when an adult must diagnose a misconception and teach the idea again. For example, repeated subtraction errors may stem from place value rather than carelessness. A tutor should be able to explain what they noticed and why the next exercise was chosen.
A question for the school
Ask: 'Which concept is my child currently expected to understand, and can you show me an example of the method used in class?' That is especially important when parents learnt a different written method.