Mathematics is a specific area of the Early Years Foundation Stage. At The Whiteoak Academies, we want every child to develop a deep, confident understanding of number and a genuine enjoyment of mathematical thinking.

Mathematics is taught in a hands-on, kinaesthetic way, allowing children to explore, investigate and apply their understanding in meaningful contexts. Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to build secure foundations that children will draw on throughout their education.

What are the expectations by the end of Reception?

By the end of Reception, children working at the expected level will:

Number

• Have a deep understanding of numbers to 10, including composition
• Automatically recall number bonds to 5 and some number bonds to 10

Numerical Patterns

• Verbally count beyond 20
• Compare quantities and understand concepts such as more and fewer
• Explore patterns within numbers, including odds and evens and the structure of the number system

A Mastery Approach to Mathematics

We adopt a mastery approach, where all children are encouraged to achieve excellence.

Learning is:

• Carefully sequenced
• Taught in small, progressive steps
• Built on secure understanding

Children are given time to:

• Practise
• Revisit
• Apply their learning

This ensures they develop fluency, reasoning and confidence. Mistakes are valued as an important part of the learning process and are used to deepen understanding.

Our Maths Curriculum

We follow:

• NCETM Mastering Number programme
• White Rose Maths

These provide a structured and progressive approach to teaching mathematics, ensuring consistency across Reception and into Key Stage One.

Learning is sequenced through key areas such as:

• Match and sort
• Numbers within 5
• Composition
• Shape
• Number bonds
• Addition and subtraction

Each unit builds on prior learning, ensuring children develop a deep understanding before moving on.

Children learn through a progression of:

• Concrete resources (Numicon, counters, tens frames)
• Pictorial representations
• Abstract thinking

How do we teach Mathematics at The Whiteoak Academies?

Mathematics is taught through a combination of adult-led sessions, small group work, deliberate practice activities and carefully planned continuous provision.

We use the approach ‘I do, we do, you do’, ensuring children see clear modelling before practising with support and then independently.

Children take part in guided group maths sessions twice a week, where practitioners:

• Target misconceptions
• Provide tailored support
• Extend thinking through questioning

Retrieval practice is built into daily routines to support consolidation and long-term memory.

Developing Number Sense

A key focus in Reception is developing strong number sense. Through the Mastering Number programme, children learn to:

• Understand numbers to 10 in depth
• Recognise patterns within numbers
• Recall number bonds
• Compare quantities

This early fluency supports later mathematical understanding and confidence.

Maths in Daily Practice

Mathematics is embedded throughout the school day. Children regularly engage in:

• Adult-led maths sessions
• Guided group work
• Practical activities within continuous provision
• Deliberate practice activities
• Purposeful play

Real-life mathematical opportunities are used to reinforce learning, for example:

• Sharing fruit
• Counting objects
• Solving simple problems in context

These meaningful experiences help children to apply their understanding in everyday situations.

Supporting Every Child in Mathematics

Teachers carefully monitor children’s understanding and identify gaps early.

Where needed, children receive:

• Targeted support
• Additional practice
• Small group intervention

This ensures all children build secure foundations and are well-prepared for Key Stage One.

Impact

As a result of our carefully structured maths curriculum, children develop strong number sense, confidence and fluency. They are able to reason about numbers, solve problems and explain their thinking.

These skills provide a secure foundation for success in Key Stage One and beyond.

How can you help at home?

You can support your child’s mathematical development by:

• Counting everyday objects (e.g. steps, toys, shopping items)
• Playing board and card games involving numbers
• Talking about shapes, sizes and patterns in everyday life
• Practising number bonds (e.g. “I have 3 — how many more to make 5?”)
• Encouraging your child to explain their thinking (“How do you know?”)