Mastering Number at Reception and KS1

This project aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The aim over time is that children will leave KS1 with fluency in calculation and a confidence and flexibility with number. Attention will be given to key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1 to support success in the future.

This programme and its Work Groups are open to all primary state- funded schools that have not yet engaged with the Mastering Number programme. 

Lead participants from Work Group schools will be three teachers, one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, who will be called Lead Teachers with some support given to subject leaders and headteachers. There is an expectation that these Lead Teachers support the other teachers in their year group.

NCETM have produced a brief guide which can be viewed here

Teachers whose schools have already taken part in the programme have noted the impact it has had on their pupils:

• There has been a noticeable and marked improvement in the speed and accuracy of children’s subitising skills and knowledge of number bonds.

• Children are talking more about the relationships between numbers and using this to solve problems more confidently.

• Thank you for high quality training and resources.

• My lower confidence children are able to recognise patterns and subitise.

Please also see the NCETM webpage where you can hear from a Year 2 teacher and a Reception teacher discussing the impact of the programme on their pupils.

The Mastering Number programme is fully funded by the Maths Hub programme so is free to state-funded participating schools.