Rap music is being used to help parents and children improve their maths skills as part of an innovative partnership between West Sussex County Council and musicians, educators, nursery schools and families.
Dads, Sums & Drums is a Worthing-based community-driven music project where families transform numbers into lyrics, beats, and performance. It supports parents who want to help their children with maths — but simply don’t know how.
West Sussex County Council has supported the project, using funding from the government’s £560m Skills for Life Multiply programme. The programme aims to help adults improve their maths skills, and actively engage with a broad range of parents, to help them feel confident supporting their children.
Dads, Sums & Drums was created by social enterprise Dad La Soul, which aims to provide support to dads and male care providers.
With over 70 families, local DJs, nursery, and primary schools, businesses, and educators collaborating, the project turns numeracy into music through working with professional musicians, reinforcing concepts through rhythm and repetition.
A new rap-style video showcases how the project transforms challenging mathematical concepts into a fun, accessible learning experience. The video was developed in collaboration with non-profit organisation AudioActive, award-winning filmmaker Kristian Coburn from Darza Productions, and a team of highly talented rappers, singers and music producers.
The video was premiered at an AudioActive event in Worthing on Saturday, 29 March and is now available to watch online.
Councillor Jacquie Russell, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Learning and Skills, said:
"This is another great example of partnership working and how we are able to deliver funding for projects that take a fresh, innovative approach to learning.
“I’m pleased that we were able to support this inventive project that helps parents, carers and children in West Sussex fulfil their potential, in line with our council priorities.”
Dad La Soul Founder Dan Flanagan said: “Within our community, we have many experienced, creative folks that we can bring together to tackle issues.
“It’s great that there are so many talented filmmakers, musicians, producers and journalists, who believe entirely in our mission and who are thrilled to lend their skills and time to the cause. They’ve helped make the project a real success and have helped improve everyday maths and numeracy skills for those who took part."
You can find out more about the Multiply programme, and how it can help improve your numeracy skills, by visiting our website.
Richard Bromfield, Programme Officer for Multiply Skills for Life, explains:
"Dad La Soul’s innovative approach to learning has been a game-changer. Their work with families in Worthing is a brilliant example of how creativity can tackle barriers to education and engagement. Maths anxiety affects not just children, but whole families—and by bringing parents into the learning process in a fun and engaging way, this project is making a real impact."
More information about Dad La Soul is available on their website here.
