This year in key stage 1, we have introduced Mastering Number to help children build a strong foundation in early maths by developing their understanding of number, counting, and relationships between numbers. This is to help children develop confidence and fluency with numbers through fun, practical activities that strengthen their sense of number and prepare them for future maths learning. Pupils take part in short, engaging sessions outside of the main maths lesson in Year 1 and Year 2 that help them understand numbers deeply, spot patterns, and explain their mathematical thinking with confidence. In reception, this will be used to teach daily maths. 

At our school, we follow the White Rose Maths scheme, which provides a carefully structured approach to help children build strong number sense, and a deep understanding of key mathematical concepts. Through the White Rose Maths curriculum, pupils learn to understand, explain, and enjoy mathematics — progressing from concrete experiences to pictorial and abstract thinking as they move through the school. It is a programme that helps children build a deep understanding of maths through small, carefully planned steps, encouraging reasoning, problem-solving, and confidence.