Mastering Number Reception and KS1

We are currently not recruiting for this programme. Please add your details to our waiting list if you would like to be sent information when the 2025/26 recruitment window opens. 

Who can take part?

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

There will be three lead participants from Work Group schools – one each from Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 – known as Lead Teachers.  All teachers taking reception and KS1 classes are expected to use the materials, but it will be these ‘Lead Teachers’ who will attend online meetings and have access to resources, which they are expected to share and use to support other teachers in their year group as appropriate. 

Some support will also be given to subject leaders and headteachers. 

School Expectations

Mastering Number is open to all schools who have not previously participated in the Mastering Number Programme, but it is important that schools understand some key expectations of the programme. This includes expectations that:

  • The Mastering Number Reception materials are used as the main maths lesson for all the number work, and that children are offered opportunities within the wider provision to embed their learning, including by using ideas suggested in the materials. Year 1 and Year 2 classes should use the Mastering Number materials in addition to their daily maths lesson (which could be shortened as a result of participation in this Work Group).
  • Schools who have not engaged with teaching for mastery previously should consider how they will continue to engage with their local Maths Hub in the following year.  e.g. through joining a Work Group such as Mastery Readiness, TfM Development, TfM Embedding, or TfM Sustaining, or continuing with Mastering Number through the Embedding the Impact Work Group.  (This is a prerequisite for joining a KS2 Mastering Number Work Group in the future).
  • There is an expectation that schools will provide a daily teaching session for all KS1 children of 10 to 15 minutes, in addition to their normal maths lesson. Lead Teachers in schools will also contribute to an online community to share practice and engage in critical reflection.
  • Time commitment.  Each lead teacher attends one meeting per half term (alternating between NCETM delivery and local Maths Hub delivery).
    These all happen on the same afternoon or morning and teachers alternate attendance e.g.
    Reception Lead:  12:30 – 14:00
    Year 1 lead:        14:00 – 15:30
    Year 2 Lead:       15:30 – 17:00
    Not all Lead Teachers are therefore out of class at the same time. The Lead Teacher for each year group is expected to attend all meetings but other teachers in that year group and subject leaders are also welcome to attend if they wish.

This programme focuses on the key knowledge and understanding needed in Reception classes, and progression through KS1. Participating schools will receive central training (online and face-to-face) and a wealth of pupil-facing resources.

Benefits  

  • Your pupils will be able to clearly communicate their mathematical ideas
  • 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?

There is no charge to schools participating in the programme. Resources will be provided for each school, in order for them to teach daily sessions of the Mastering Number Programme

We are currently not recruiting for this programme. Please add your details to our waiting list if you would like to be sent information when the 2025/26 recruitment window opens. 

Further optional reading:

To see exactly how this Programme has had an impact in Primary schools please read this article:

What does the latest 2023 Ofsted report, ‘Coordinating Mathematical Success’ say about Mastering Number?

 ‘Organisations should offer Mastering Number to all schools as an example of good practice in early mathematics’.