Mastering Number - Reception & KS1 - now open to all schools*
This national programme - now in its sixth year - 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.
Please complete the expression of interest form by June 22nd, after which, all applications will be reviewed and schools will be notified if they have a place or not by the end of June.
Expression of Interest for 2026/27
The short videos below give 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.
//www.youtube.com/embed/SHaKvAgrU44#t=0.5
Who 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.
New for 2026/27: This programme and its Work Groups are open to all schools - including those that have already engaged in the past.
*Spaces are limited so if the programme is oversubscribed, we can't guarantee you a place for 2026/27. We will notify all schools by the end of June.
What is involved?
This programme focuses on the key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, 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.
What will you learn?
- Your pupils will develop and demonstrate good number sense
- You will develop a secure understanding of how to build firm mathematical foundations
- You will work to develop teaching strategies focused on developing fluency in calculation and number sense for all children
- You will develop understanding and use of appropriate manipulatives to support your teaching of mathematical structures
What is the cost?
The Mastering Number Programme is fully funded by the Maths Hubs Programme so is free to participating schools.