As schools across the region prepare to return after half term, the NSPCC is calling on schools in the Isle of Man to get number crunching for its Number Day 2011, by taking part the biggest ever maths lesson on Friday 2 December in aid of the charity’s ChildLine service. Sponsored by Vosene Kids, Number Day 2011 is a great way to have fun with numbers. Last year’s Number Day broke the Guinness World Record for the largest maths lesson held in multiple locations with 4076 pupils and 30 schools taking part, which rose over ?70k for ChildLine – a record the charity are looking to beat this year to celebrate ChildLine’s 25th anniversary. Schools can either take part in the World’s Biggest Maths Lesson on Number Day where children can explore learning with numbers, or there are other or popular fundraising activities for kids to enjoy, like 'Who wants to be a Mathionnaire'. Alternatively schools could do something different with digits and come up with their own fundraising event to celebrate numbers on Number Day. To sign up for Number Day 2011 and for more information please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/numberday where all curriculum based maths resources can be downloaded or alternatively email numberday@nspcc.org.uk Mel Holland, NSPCC schools fundraising manager, said: “Number Day is open to all primary and secondary schools across the UK, and is a fantastic fun way to get children of all ages engaged with maths. We’d love as many schools as possible to get involved, whether you take part in the NSPCC’s biggest maths lesson, or choose another number crunching activity of your own, as long as your doing sums on Number Day you could be involved in helping us raise a record amount for children.” Schools who register to take part will be entered into an exciting prize draw for the chance to win ?1,000 towards maths equipment, kindly donated by Vosene Kids. Mike Jatania, CEO of Lornamead, owner of Vosene Kids, comments: “We were so pleased to be part of the NSPCC Number Day last year that we wanted to repeat our partnership with them again this year in order to further help them raise worthwhile funds for their cause. We are always looking for ways to support families and specifically children so are delighted that this year our activity with Number Day will support the 25th anniversary of ChildLine.” Money raised will support ChildLine ,the UK’s free 24 hour helpline for children and young people in danger or distress. Founded in 1986 by Esther Rantzen, ChildLine gives children access to confidential support when they need it and insures all children and young people have someone to turn to whenever and wherever they need help. With 12 bases around the UK, children and young people can contact trained ChildLine counsellors both online or by phone. For further ways of supporting ChildLine locally please visit www.nspcc.org.uk ENDS