Maths
Our vision
At Hobletts Manor Infants and Nursery School, we believe every child can succeed in mathematics. Children use maths to make sense of the world: they notice patterns, compare quantities, solve problems and explain what they have found. We want them to enjoy exploring ideas, have a go when something is difficult and see mistakes as part of learning.
What children learn
In Nursery and Reception, children build a strong understanding of number through counting, recognising small quantities without counting, comparing amounts and exploring how numbers are made. They investigate pattern, shape, space and measures through stories, songs, construction, role play and practical experiences. Adults help children talk about what they notice and explain their thinking.
In Years 1 and 2, children develop fluency with counting, place value and calculation. They learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and to use what they know to reason and solve problems. They also explore fractions, shapes, position and direction, measurement, time and money. In Year 2, children begin to use simple statistics. By the end of Year 2, they work towards secure knowledge of number bonds to 20, a clear understanding of place value and recall of the 2, 5 and 10 multiplication tables.
How learning develops
Our mathematics curriculum follows the EYFS statutory framework in Nursery and Reception and the National Curriculum in Years 1 and 2. HFL Education’s ESSENTIALMATHS provides the main sequence for teaching from Reception to Year 2. Teachers also draw on NCETM teaching for mastery and resources such as White Rose Maths. Learning is broken into small steps, with frequent opportunities to revisit and practise important ideas. We have mapped mathematical vocabulary from Nursery to Year 2 so that children can build on the language they already know.
We make maths as hands-on as possible. Children use objects, counters, ten frames, drawings and other visual models to explore a new idea before moving towards written numbers and symbols. Teachers model useful sentences and encourage children to explain how they know an answer.
Inclusion and enrichment
Teachers check children’s understanding during lessons and provide extra explanation, practice or practical resources when needed. Children who are ready to go further are encouraged to find another method, explain a pattern or solve a more demanding problem. These approaches help every child, including children with SEND, participate and make progress.
Maths is part of everyday school life. Children count and compare during play, investigate shapes and measures outdoors, use money in role play and apply what they know when solving practical problems.
By the end of Year 2
We want children to have secure foundations in number, calculation, shape and measure. They should be able to choose useful resources or strategies, explain their thinking using mathematical vocabulary and apply their knowledge to familiar problems. Above all, we want them to approach new mathematical challenges with curiosity and confidence.
How can you help at home?
Please see the links below for further support:
Numberblocks at Home - Early Years
White Rose Maths - Parents and Pupils
BBC Bitesize - Early Years Maths
NCETM - National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
