CHILDREN from a Northfield primary school welcomed a celebrity finance expert to help launch Number Day – the NSPCC’s annual maths-themed fundraising event.
Financial advisor Emmanuel Asuquo, who has appeared on BBC News, This Morning and Channel 4’s Save Well, Spend Better, visited Green Meadow Primary School to meet and speak to the pupils. During his visit, he highlighted the importance of understanding finance and encouraging them to help develop a love for maths.
Emmanuel hosted an interactive assembly followed by two workshops with support from the NSPCC, to help the pupils learn more about the world of business and entrepreneurship.
He said: “This morning has been incredible. It’s been such a joy and a privilege to see children share and explore their passion for maths and finance.”
He added the area was clearly home to many future budding entrepreneurs.
“It has been great to champion the NSPCC’s Number Day campaign here in Birmingham.
“By taking part, schools and nurseries are not only inspiring children to discover a love of numbers and strengthen their numeracy skills, but they’re also helping to raise essential funds to protect children and support families in need.”
‘Creating a real buzz’
Green Meadow Primary School headteacher, Kate Cross, said: “At Green Meadow, aspiration is at the heart of our curriculum and Emmanuel’s visit today has created a real buzz with our primary-aged children.
“It was great to see them learn how maths isn’t just about something they learn in the classroom but also something they need in their everyday life. It is something that can improve their life over time.
“We want children to believe they can achieve anything, and understanding maths is a key ingredient for a happy, successful life and something they will encounter everywhere.”
The NSPCC hopes to see primary schools across Birmingham and the West Midlands taking part in a range of maths themed activities and games on Number Day which takes place this year next Friday, February 6.
To celebrate Number Day, pupils across the region can Dress Up for Digits – making donations to wear clothing with a number on it, or dressing up like dice, clocks, calculators or anything inspired by numbers.
There are also a series of resources and activities available on Number Day, including new workshops on Pythagoras, music and number patterns, created by legendary maths legend and TV presenter, Johnny Ball.
Helen Bowen is the Director of Maths at Excelsior Multi Academy Trust which operates Green Meadow Primary School.
She said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Emmanuel into our Trust. It has been wonderful having him at Green Meadow to inspire the children and help them imagine their futures through the importance of maths and understanding their finances.
“The NSPCC’s Number Day is a fantastic opportunity to bring maths to life while also raising money for an incredibly worthwhile cause.”
For 2026, the NSPCC has partnered with Maths Circle, Times Tables Rock Stars, Science Museum, Oxford University Press, Olex.AI, GoHenry, Life Savers, Just Finance Foundation, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Promote Your School, BBC Teach, Numberblocks, Purple Mash, Sums of Anarchy, Winning with Numbers, Whizz Education, Schools and Academies Show, GiftT QR, Iris ParentMail.
Stephanie Coleman, NSPCC fundraiser and lead for Number Day said: “I would like to thank Emmanuel and everyone at Green Meadow Primary School, including all the children and teachers, for leading the way ahead of this year’s NSPCC’s maths mega day.
“Number Day is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore their love of maths, and it’s always inspiring to see how schools celebrate. We hope many more schools and nurseries across Birmingham will join this incredible day of learning, play, and fundraising. Every pound raised makes a real difference in helping to protect children and support young people.”
Schools and nurseries can sign up to Number Day for free at www.nspcc.org.uk/numberday or email [email protected] for more information.
