Early Mathematics

The teaching of early maths starts with our youngest children in Little Learners and nursery. Across early years, children are taught mathematical concepts using carefully selected stories, rhymes, songs and practical resources. We provide every opportunity to teach maths through real life contexts and play, enabling children to see the uses of mathematics in everyday life.

We understand that developing a strong grounding in number is essential for children to develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Introducing maths from an early age, supports not only development in number, but also in problem solving skills, spatial awareness, patterns and shapes and measures.

Our staff are passionately committed to ensuring that all children develop a sound understanding of maths. By providing frequent and varied opportunities to explore maths, our children develop a deep understanding of the numbers within 10 and the patterns within those numbers.

Above all else, it is vital that children foster positive attitudes and interests in mathematics. We encourage them to ‘have a go’ and talk to adults and peers about what they notice.

We teach our children not to be afraid to make mistakes; this is how we learn. Number is taught systematically and results in children applying these skills successfully in their learning. Independent number and mathematical activities are skilfully planned to inspire and engage pupils.

To ensure our nursery children are well prepared and ready to begin our mathematics curriculum from week one in Reception we:

Deliver our pre-school maths curriculum through the use of high-quality stories, songs and rhymes
Teach through a balance of child-led and adult-led experiences
Provide regular opportunity for subitising
Prioritise daily counting (including counting physical objects and actions)
Provide real life and play based mathematical experiences

In Reception we provide:

A mathematically rich curriculum that embeds mathematical thinking and talk
High quality, daily maths sessions
Regular, purposeful opportunities for counting and reciting numbers
Frequent opportunity for subitising
Purposeful ways to apply logical thinking and problem solve
A balance of teacher led and child led activities to develop the understanding of number, shape, measure and spatial thinking

In KS1 pupils have:

access to a range of practical resources to encourage understanding and calculation
regular counting opportunities to develop number pattern awareness and fluency
daily mathematics sessions
daily recall sessions known as Five A Day
access to mathematics interventions when needed
One to one teacher conferences when needed