Maths
At Elizabeth Selby Infant School, we believe Mathematics is an essential life skill that enables children to make sense of the world around them and develop confidence in problem solving and reasoning. Through our teaching of Maths, we aim to ensure all children develop a secure understanding of number and mathematical concepts while fostering enjoyment, curiosity and resilience.
Using the White Rose Maths scheme, we provide a progressive and engaging curriculum that develops fluency, reasoning and problem-solving skills. We encourage children to think creatively, explain their mathematical understanding and apply their learning to real-life contexts. Through practical experiences and hands-on learning, we aim for every child to become confident and successful mathematicians.
Aims
- To develop children’s fluency in number and calculation.
- To build confidence in reasoning, problem solving and mathematical thinking.
- To help children apply mathematical skills to real-life situations.
- To develop a secure understanding of number and place value.
- To encourage children to explain, discuss and justify their mathematical ideas.
- To provide practical and engaging learning experiences using a range of concrete resources.
- To develop resilience, independence and perseverance in Maths.
- To ensure progression in mathematical knowledge and skills through the White Rose Maths scheme.
- To foster enjoyment and enthusiasm for Mathematics across EYFS and Key Stage 1.
EYFS
In EYFS, Maths is taught through the Early Years Foundation Stage area of learning “Mathematics.” Children develop their mathematical understanding through practical, hands-on experiences, play-based learning and daily routines.
Children explore key mathematical concepts including counting, representing numbers, comparing quantities, patterns, shape, space and measure. Through adult-led activities and continuous provision, children are encouraged to investigate, problem solve and talk about their mathematical thinking.
The White Rose Maths approach supports children in developing a deep understanding of early number concepts through practical exploration and repetition. Children use a range of concrete resources including counters, cubes, numicon, ten frames, natural objects and role play opportunities to support their learning.
Key areas of learning in EYFS include:
- Number
- Representing numbers
- Comparing quantities
- Composition of number
- Shape, Space and Measure
- Spatial reasoning
- Shape
- Patterns
- Mass and capacity
- Length and height
Children are encouraged to explore Maths both indoors and outdoors through practical activities, games, songs, stories and real-life experiences, helping to build confidence and enjoyment in Mathematics from an early age.
Key Stage 1 Mathematics
In Key Stage 1, children continue to build upon their mathematical understanding through a progressive curriculum delivered through the White Rose Maths scheme. Learning focuses on fluency, reasoning and problem solving across the following areas:
- Number and Place Value
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiplication and Division
- Fractions
- Geometry: Properties of Shape
- Geometry: Position and Direction
- Measurement
- Statistics
Children use practical resources and pictorial representations to deepen understanding before moving towards more abstract concepts. Mathematical learning is often linked to real-life contexts and cross-curricular experiences to ensure learning is meaningful and engaging.
At Elizabeth Selby Infant School, we are proud of the positive attitudes our children have towards Maths and strive to ensure all children feel successful, challenged and motivated in their learning.
