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?
Schools that have not previously taken part in Mastering Number at Reception and Key Stage 1 and those that have previously engaged in the programme can take part.
Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers – one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – known as Lead Teachers. Schools can also nominate additional Reception teachers to join central and local workshops. Some support will also be given to subject leaders and headteachers. Where appropriate, Lead Teachers are expected to support the other teachers in their year group.
What is involved?
This programme focuses on the key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception, and progression through KS1. Lead Teachers in participating schools will receive training and will be part of an online community, to share practice and engage in critical reflection. Teaching materials will be provided, aimed at developing children’s fluency and flexibility with number.
New for 2026/27: Additional teaching resources have been created which cover the whole of the maths curriculum for Reception.
Professional learning
Participants will:
- work as part of a professional learning community to reflect on their approaches, deepen their understanding about effective approaches and refine their practice
- develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations with a stronger subject and pedagogical understanding for EYFS and KS1
- secure an understanding of the mathematical age -related expectations including expectations of the Early Years Framework and the meaning of the Early Learning Goals.
What are the intended outcomes?
Pupil outcomes
Pupils will:
- develop fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number that exemplifies good number sense
- make good progress towards the Early Learning Goals and year group expectations.
Whole-school/departmental policies and approaches
Participants will work with their school/subject leaders to:
- develop Mastering Number as part of the whole school curriculum
- develop understanding of how EYFS pupils progress in their knowledge and understanding of how EYFS pupils progress in their knowledge and understanding of maths concepts and support planning for intentional learning in EYFS, Year 1 and Year 2 provision.
Practice development
Participants will:
- practise pedagogical and assessment strategies shared in central training
- work to develop intentional teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for ALL children including developing spatial reasoning skills
- in Reception, develop their understanding of how to teach shape, space, pattern and measure
- develop understanding and their use of appropriate manipulatives to support their teaching of the mathematical structures.
What is the cost?
Mastering Number is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.
The short videos below gives a flavour of Mastering Number happening with different age groups. The teachers explain how the programme has benefited all pupils in their classes, providing firm foundations for later work in maths.
How can I get involved?
To reserve your place on this work group during 2026/2027, please complete the form below and we will be in touch to confirm your place (subject to availability), when we have further details.