Mastering Number at Reception & KS1

The Mastering Number Programme at Reception and KS1 runs for three terms and prioritises the development of solid number sense, including fluency and flexibility with number facts, which will have a lasting impact on future learning for all children. The programme will involve high quality professional development for teachers. 

Who can take part?

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers, one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, with some support given to subject leaders and headteachers.

This programme is open to all state-funded primary schools in England. If oversubscribed, priority for places will be given to schools with a high proportion of disadvantaged children.

What is involved?

All lead participants will be supported by central training and resources. There is an expectation that they will provide a daily teaching session for all children of 10 to 15 minutes, in addition to their normal maths lesson. There is also the expectation that they will contribute to an online community to share practice and engage in critical reflection.

In this short video, Debbie Morgan, the NCETM’s Director for Primary, explains how the abacus-like rekenrek can be used to help children develop confidence and fluency with number. 

What will you learn?

Participants will:

  • develop skills in working in a professional learning community, reflecting with other colleagues on their own practice, and refining skills through support and challenge within a community
  • develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations with a stronger subject and pedagogical understanding for EYFS and KS1
  • work to develop intentional teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for ALL children
  • develop understanding and their use of appropriate manipulatives to support their teaching of mathematical structures

What is the cost?

Mastering Number is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.

Embedding the impact

Upon completion of the programme, schools are invited to join our Embedding the Impact community, receiving support to make Mastering Number a permanent element of the curriculum.

Using an abacus-like rekenrek to help children develop confidence and fluency with number from NCETM on Vimeo.

How can I get involved?

Applications for 24/25 are now closed - if you would like to apply for a place in a future cohort, please complete the form below.

Mastering Number Reception and KS1 - Expression of Interest