‘Direct teaching may be necessary, but effective early mathematics teaching strategies are playful, not formal, so that all children become cheerful, not fearful mathematicians.’
Gifford, S. (2018) 

In Early Years, the children explore Mathematics in many different contexts, including songs, books, puzzles and games using a variety of resources and representations.  Key mathematical skills are developed and implemented through planned, purposeful activities with a mixture of adult-led, child-initiated and continuous provision activities.    

Learning within EYFS at Balfour Primary School is guided by the requirements and recommendations set out in the Statutory Framework for EYFS (September 2021), which underpin the curriculum planning for Reception and the ELGs are used as an end of year assessment within number and numerical patterns.  Children explore their understanding of cardinality and counting, comparison, composition, pattern, shape and space and measures. 

We use NCETM Mastering Number as our main teaching in EYFS which aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense.This programme has a focus on fluency and ensures that attention is given to the key knowledge and understanding needed in EYFS, and progression through KS1 to support mathematical success in the future.